Defending Your Territory

For the last couple summers, since our neighbors moved in, our dogs have enjoyed a comfortable relationship along the fence line with the dog next door. Although we seldom have the dogs in the same backyard, they have peacefully coexisted on either side of those chain links. Often they will run along the fence, each on their own property, in playful companionship.
This past winter, while the dogs were not often outside, our neighbors brought home a second dog. Although quite large in size, this dog is a mere puppy. As the weather got nicer and the dogs were again spending more time outside, we noticed a new pitch in the sounds of the relationship. Our neighbor’s first dog became extremely defensive of her territory line. Every time our dogs were in our backyard, she would run up and down the fence barking menacingly. Our dogs in return would bolt to our side of the fence and return the barking protectiveness of their territory.
This new Dynamic of protectiveness has interrupted the peaceful coexistence that allowed all of our dogs to enjoy plenty of relaxing time outside. Whereas we had previously allowed Beamer and Kari access to hours in the sun, this freedom is often limited to minutes. To avoid this menacing barking, we simply call the dogs inside the house.
Do we attempt to guard our own territory? Do we spend times defending our own rights, and in turn only put riffs into what could be great friendships? Do we miss out on some of the great things God has for us because we want to protect what we believe we require or deserve?
Jesus clearly addressed this topic. “And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me, let him deny himself [disown himself, forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, refuse and give up himself] and take up his cross daily and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also]. For whoever would preserve his life and save it will lose and destroy it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he will preserve and save it [from the penalty of eternal death].” (Luke 9:23-24 AMP) When we try to hang on to our own rights, dreams and possessions, we are in danger of losing what is truly important. Winning an argument can result in losing a relationship. The momentary victory leads to far greater loss in the days and years to come as well as peace and joy in God’s presence. Jesus repeated this principle when speaking of the coming of the Son of Man. “Whoever tries to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve and quicken it.” (Luke 17:33 AMP) By giving our lives to follow His ways we will have blessings of peace and joy here and true life in eternity.
We are told to “Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.” (Romans 12:10 AMP) Part of this involves living at peace. “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18 AMP) We cannot defend our rights and accomplish our mandates. “Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves].” (Philippians 2:3 AMP)
How can we accomplish this? The apostle Paul gives instructions that make this all possible. “For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].” (Philippians 4:8 AMP) We can continually look for the good in others and respond to them with grace.
Why would we live this way? Being a follower of Jesus Christ, we have no other choice. “And when Jesus heard it, He said to him, One thing you still lack. Sell everything that you have and divide [the money] among the poor, and you will have [rich] treasure in heaven; and come back [and] follow Me [become My disciple, join My party, and accompany Me].” (Luke 18:22 AMP) To truly follow Jesus we must give up every self-centered desire, including those for possessions and rights. But, in doing so, we gain all the blessings of the continual presence of God in our lives.
As time has passed the dogs have returned to their comfortable relationship. The menacing barks have ceased The aggressiveness of the neighbor dog had resulted from problems with the new dog whom has in a new home where he is the only dog. Our dogs greet each other and enjoy pleasant days outside. When they ceased fighting to protect what is theirs, they became able to benefit from it.

Do not be overly concerned about what you perceive to be yours. As you look to bless others you find you are free to enjoy all God has for you.

Select – Copy - Paste

Technology has made writing papers much easier. Dictation applications make it possible to speak thoughts and they come out on the printed page. This can be done from various locations. By speaking into a cell phone one can later copy it into a word processing program on the computer. Quoted sources can also be copied over from one page to another. The process by which this is done is Select - Copy - Paste.
The first in this three step process is to choose which material one desires to copy. The selection is made by highlighting that material. Once the portion has been selected, it must be copied. Computers offer several ways to do this. Control C/Command C (Microsoft PC/Apple-Mac) are the keyboard shortcut most commonly used. Once this has been done, the content is ready to paste to another location. This is done by another keystroke, Control V/Command V.
I have found myself attempting to use this process without success because I have skipped a step. If I have not highlighted the entire content that I wish to copy, I will only receive the portion that I did highlight. I must then return and highlight the remainder of the material I first desired and copy to obtain the missing information from entire passage. Another error, by far my most common, is to highlight the passage and attempt to paste it without ever using the keystrokes to copy it. Just because the material has been selected does not yet make it available for transfer.

As we approach life as followers of Jesus Christ, we will have choices to make. When Jesus is truly at the center of our lives, His Word will be extremely important to us. It is to be the guideline by which we walk out our calling to serve the world. The scriptures are given to us for our benefit. “For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 AMP) We know that it is by the Word of God that we will see the truth. “The entrance and unfolding of Your words give light; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130 AMP) But just having the word available to us or listening to a message does not place it deep in our hearts. We must cooperate by following this command. “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.”  (2 Timothy 2:15 AMP)

Once they have learned the Word of God we miss them apply it to our lives. The Apostle James explains this principle to us. “But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth]. For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in a mirror; for he thoughtfully observes himself, and then goes off and promptly forgets what he was like. But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience).” (James 1:22-25 AMP) If we do not put into practice what we have learned by imitating Christ, we will not truly reflect the image of God.

We may have read and even studied the scriptures, but until we have made these principles as a part of our lives, we will not be able to interact with others with the same love and compassion that Jesus. We must first copy His actions in our own lives. Putting the Scriptures into practice comes by imitating Godly character. “Therefore imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 AMP) This is how we copy His love.

We are to reflect the love of God in this life. If we attempt to reach out without having first developed His character in our lives, we cannot reflect the light as we have been commanded to do. Jesus is the true light. “Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life.” (John 8:12 AMP) Because we have this light of life we are to shine. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 AMP)

To walk this out in a practical way we can imitate Jesus lifestyle. “How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38 AMP) Knowing that we are anointed to serve others, we look for and act on opportunities to do good to others and bring glory to God.

Take time each day to study His Word and ask God to help you live it out. Seek opportunities to do good to others and you will be a love letter from the Heavenly Father easily read by those you encounter.

To the Top

With the Wisconsin State Fair currently taking place, I have been thinking about some of the Midway games. A favorite game that can be enjoyed by child and adult alike involves squirt guns, targets and a set of numbered poles with attached characters. As the squirt guns are aimed at the target, water enters a tubes inside the poles. The water in the tube will cause the character to rise up the pole. The first character to reach the top wins. The rate of ascension for these characters is based solely on water pressure. The more water that enters through the target the more pressure in the tube and the faster the character rises.
Because there is little strength or actual skill involved, this game can be enjoyed by all ages. The game itself causes the water to come out of the squirt guns. All the contestant does is aim.  
The goal of this game is to ring the bell and light the lights at the top of the pole. Yet when playing, contestants do not look at the pole’s top. Actually attention is not paid to the pole or the character on it. All focus is on the target to which is being sprayed with the water. This target is generally at eye level, many feet below the coveted bell and lights that signify a win. One focuses on the target and the character automatically moves toward the top, hopefully to ring the bell.
Taking one’s eyes off of the target in order to see the character rising, often interferes with aim. In order to continually keep the water flowing into that target requires all attention. Distraction by the prize at the end or the progress being made can actually deter one’s efforts. The same is true of watching the progress of one’s opponents.
This simple game contains some key spiritual principles.

As children of God, we can all hear His voice and learn from Him. Whether we have recently come into God's family by receiving Jesus Christ as our savior or if we have been walking with the Lord for years, we can equally hear from Him. We all have access to reading His Word and we all have the Holy Spirit speaking to our hearts. “And Peter opened his mouth and said: Most certainly and thoroughly I now perceive and understand that God shows no partiality and is no respecter of persons.” (Acts 10:34 AMP) Paul echos this precept. “For God shows no partiality [undue favor or unfairness; with Him one man is not different from another].” (Romans 2:11 AMP)

When dealing with daily life we must also keep our focus in the right place. We are not to look at the scenes around us but to our Heavenly Father. We do not gauge our lives by the what we see. Each day we must set out to follow the will of our Heavenly Father. We look to God for our purpose, which is to share His love with a hurting world. “I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another.” (John 13:34 AMP) When facing new situations, we must always do so with prayer first. The Lord will give directions on how to approach every opportunity in our lives.

We have our perfect example in Jesus Christ. Jesus always went to His Father. He frequently went away to pray. “But He Himself withdrew [in retirement] to the wilderness (desert) and prayed.” (Luke 5:16 AMP) He followed what He saw the Father doing. “So Jesus answered them by saying, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the Son is able to do nothing of Himself (of His own accord); but He is able to do only what He sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father does is what the Son does in the same way [in His turn].” (John 5:19 AMP) As Jesus followed the Father’s example, He walk in His calling. “How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38 AMP)

By following this example of looking to and serving God, we keep our focus on the target. Living out the Word as God directs us to is our aim. We do not get distracted by what others are doing or how well we believe we are doing. We leave the results to God and will see the ultimate prize. This prize is seeing others experience the love of God in their own lives.

Keep you focus on the Lord and His will for your life. You will find yourself a part of His Kingdom here on earth.

Bringing the Hammer Down

A familiar sight at many carnivals, summer festivals or midways at the fair is the game that has a giant hammer and a bell at the top of a tall pole. The object of the game is to bring the hammer down onto a disc with enough force to send a metal piece all the way up the pole to hit and ring the bell. It is not an easy feat by any means. But the reward for ringing the bell is often a large stuffed animal or other item of value.
More often than not, the person who desires the prize is not the person swinging the hammer. A young child may desire a stuffed toy, but it is a parent or other adult who possesses the strength to bring the hammer down with enough force to ring the bell. Left to his own strength, the child would never be able to accomplish the task.
A similar scene is played out repeatedly. A child looks longingly at the prizes on display. The parent looks at the yearning in those young eyes and is moved by a desire to please his/her child. That parent then pays to play the game and steps up to the platform. With another look into that young child's eyes, which are now filled with hopeful, expectation the adult summons his/her strength and proceeds to swing the hammer.
The pure joy and delight that is expressed by the child when the bell goes off is all the reward the parent needs. “I knew you could do it! Thank you, thank you!” This confidence accompanied by joy and gratefulness brings a joy beyond expression.
In the spiritual realm this scene is played out over and over again. There are gifts and callings that we look forward to and long for. All too often these are beyond the limits of our own strength and abilities. But if these desires are from the Lord and He will joyfully win them for us.
Often, the blessings that we seek have been placed before us by the Lord himself. God is the one who has set us on the path by which we will see blessings that he has placed for us. As we obediently follow His path, we will come in contact with the plans He has for us.

As a child can barely lift the heavy hammer, on our own we are not strong enough to win our battles. God alone is strong enough to meet the challenges of life.  “The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him.” (Psalm 28:7 AMP) We are to be strong in the Lord.

 We find this strength by simply being quiet and trusting in God. “Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10 AMP) As we continue to live our daily lives serving Him, the Lord will fight our battles and obtain all that He has determined to give us. We must remember that we are His children and trust Him. “But Jesus called them [the parents] to Him, saying, Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for to such [as these] belongs the kingdom of God.  Truly I say to you, whoever does not accept and receive and welcome the kingdom of God like a little child [does] shall not in any way enter it [at all].” (Luke 18:16-17 AMP)

We keep our joy and focus on Him. “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:4-5 AMP) God has planned good for us when we look for His ways. “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” (Matthew 6:33 AMP)

As the child walks hand in hand with the parent, we walk with the Lord daily. Not every child receives every prize at the Fair because a loving parent knows what is best. Likewise, our Heavenly Father knows when and how to direct and bless His Children. We follow, trust and wait for His leading and provision. “My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him.” (Psalm 62:5 AMP)

Walk hand in hand with your Heavenly Father. He will show you the gifts and callings you desire. Jesus has already died to win them for you!

It’s a Dog's Life

Have you ever come home after a rough day and looked at a canine companion just lying in the sun? He may have come running and wagging his tail to greet you at the door. This furry friend has total trust that you will let him outside and provide his meals. His life seems so easy and comfortable. At that moment, when the day that may have included challenges with other people, physical challenges and other difficulties that you just would rather not have had to face, one can easily say “I would love to have the dog's life. I would love to lie around and have somebody provide my every need or want.”
With this broken leg I realize that in many ways I am currently living a life similar to that of my dogs. I cannot go to work and I basically lie around all day. My meals are brought to me by someone who loves me and all my needs are met by others. Although I have time to study the Word of God and accomplish some tasks that I have put to the side recently, this inactive life wears thin quite quickly
We have been created by God to fulfill a purpose. We are not meant to live a life of inactivity and dependence on others. With our dependence firmly set on God, we have been created to serve others. Jesus is our prime example for living a fruitful, joyful life. The Scripture tells us, “For even the Son of Man came not to have service rendered to Him, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for (instead of) many.” (Mark 10:45 AMP) Although He was God, He chose to live a life of service to others. “How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38 AMP)
We can use times of rest and restoration. These are not only pleasant, but also necessary for physical and mental health. “…Jesus stood, and He cried in a loud voice, If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink!” (John 7:37 AMP) Jesus walked with a balance in His life. He spent time communicating with the Father in prayer. “But He Himself withdrew [in retirement] to the wilderness (desert) and prayed.” (Luke 5:16 AMP) He spent time alone and with His disciples, but He came out of these times alone to serve others. “When Jesus heard it, He withdrew from there privately in a boat to a solitary place. But when the crowds heard of it, they followed Him [by land] on foot from the towns. When He went ashore and saw a great throng of people, He had compassion (pity and deep sympathy) for them and cured their sick.” (Matthew 14:13-14 AMP)
Allowing our lives to be filled with business is not wise. Allowing our lives to be self-centered and lazy is not wise. We must find purposeful direction from the Holy Spirit and walk out a balanced life. We will then seek to help others. Speaking of the end time judgement, Jesus tells the story of the sheep and the goats. In this story, He teaches “Then the King will say to those at His right hand, Come, you blessed of My Father [you favored of God and appointed to eternal salvation], inherit (receive as your own) the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you brought Me together with yourselves and welcomed and entertained and lodged Me, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me with help and ministering care, I was in prison and you came to see Me. Then the just and upright will answer Him, Lord, when did we see You hungry and gave You food, or thirsty and gave You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger and welcomed and entertained You, or naked and clothed You?  And when did we see You sick or in prison and came to visit You? And the King will reply to them, Truly I tell you, in so far as you did it for one of the least [in the estimation of men] of these My brethren, you did it for Me.” (Matthew 25:34-40 AMP)

If you have a day that you wish you had a dog’s life, check to see if you are well rested. Then realize that you have been created for purpose and joyfully seek out and fulfill your purpose. You will be satisfied and Jesus will call out to you “Come, you blessed of My Father”

Expecting a Special Package (7/28/14)

Our home is the frequent recipient of package deliveries. Medical supplies are shipped automatically every three months. I frequently order natural foods and other items online. My son also has items regularly delivered to our home.

When a package has been shipped, we usually receive an email that lists the shipping company and a tracking number. By logging in to the shipper’s website and entering this number we can find the status of a package. We can determine where our package is and when to expect delivery. Over the past few years I have even become familiar with the regular delivery times of the most common carriers of our packages.

When the delivery status on the website states “out for delivery” we know that today will be the day the package arrives. The anticipation builds as we listen for the sound of the truck on our cul-de-sac. The dogs will bark and the doorbell will ring as the package is left on our front step. Throughout the day I will catch myself glancing out the window or just going about my daily business with an air of expectation and my ear tuned to be ready for the sounds of the delivery.

Do we spend our days with that same expectation of receiving from God? He has promised to bring many things into our lives. His favor, blessings, provision and so much more is promised in God’s word.  King David wrote of his constant expectation of the presence of the Lord.  “Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You [You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long.” (Psalm 25:5 AMP) David knew that only God could save him from the enemies he faced.

How do we wait expectantly?  Are we looking in every direction? Do we have one ear constantly attentive to the sounds of His presence?  Meditating on His word throughout the day will build this expectation.  Praise and thanksgiving will keep us mindful of who God is and all the blessings He has already given to us.  “[Earnestly] remember the former things, [which I did] of old; for I am God, and there is no one else; I am God, and there is none like Me,” (Isaiah 46:9 AMP) Remembering these things with a grateful heart will cause us to remain alert and expectant.

If delivery day ends and the package does not arrive it can be quite disappointing. Last Christmas one of our packages was mistakenly placed on a truck to New Mexico instead of the truck that came to our home. The day of delivery came and went. It took an entire week to receive the item. Since this item was a Christmas gift that was part of a larger package we would be shipping to family, this one item delayed that package.  It seemed a disaster, yet all worked out in the end.

Things may sometimes seem late. But God’s timing is perfect in all things. He always knows what is best. “While we were yet in weakness [powerless to help ourselves], at the fitting time Christ died for (in behalf of) the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6 AMP) God knew the perfect timing to provide the sacrifice that purchased salvation for mankind.  He knows perfect timing to rescue us from trials or to just drop small blessings to show His love for us. Earlier in the same Psalm as above, David wrote, “Yes, let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed;” (Psalm 25:3a AMP) As we trust that God knows what is best for us and His love is unfailing, we can wait with hearts full of hope and we will not be disappointed. 

Trust Him today. Wait expectantly, looking and listening for His arrival at any second.

Always Close

While recovering from a serious injury, simply getting around by oneself can be difficult. Although my leg is still totally immobilized at this point, through therapy and some training I am able to hop around the den of my home with the assistance of my walker. For most other things I require a helping hand from my husband.
When I attempt something that is a little more challenging, I want David nearby. Even if it is hopping over a barrier that is only a few inches high, I want him close enough to be able to grab me if I begin to lose my balance. When I ascend a few stairs, David is right behind me ready to reach out and help if I misstep. When I move from bed to chair I simply want him near enough to hear me when I call.

Life with the Lord, Jesus is very much the same way. In everything that comes our way, we can take great comfort knowing that God is nearby whenever we call. “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him sincerely and in truth.” (Psalm 145:18 AMP)

God always hears our cries. “With my voice I cry to the Lord, and He hears and answers me out of His holy hill. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!” (Psalm 3:4 AMP) God not only hears, He answers. “In my distress I cried to the Lord, and He answered me.” (Psalm 120:1 AMP) Jesus promised, “I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be).” (Matthew 28:20 AMP) He will always be with us.

 When we are in need we can be assured that God will supply. His hand is always there when we need Him. “Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened at all, that it cannot save, nor His ear dull with deafness, that it cannot hear.” (Isaiah 59:1 AMP) Because of this we have no need to fear any challenge. “Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.” (Isaiah 41:10 AMP) He always holds us up.

When things become difficult and we feel the weight of life crushing us, we can remain confident in God’s presence and aid. Even when the difficulty is due to our own sinful actions, He will remain faithful to help us. “The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent.” (Psalm 34:18 AMP) Nothing, not even our own actions, can separate us from Him. Even from prison the apostle Paul wrote, “For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39 AMP)

Understanding these truths we can, “Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 AMP) We can trust in the nearness of God at all times. And we can follow the directive of James. “Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].” (James 4:8 AMP)

 We have every reason to trust the nearness and provision of God at all times. Whether the task ahead is an everyday task or something beyond our ability to comprehend, God will stretch out His hand and care for His children.

Call upon the Lord in your need and confidently wait as His hand comes to rescue you. He will guide you in all things.