Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Dear one,

I'm praying you're still connected to the board while you're out and about. Wherever you are right now, please know that I am praying for you. In fact, here is my prayer:

Father in Heaven, how I love you! You are full of compassion and mercy beyond my capacity to truly understand. Out of Your never-ending supply of compassion, please speak to Donna's spirit now in her time of distress. You alone know the what she's going through, the - but You also know the solution! You promise in Your Word that You are near to those who are crushed in spirit -- I pray that You will make Donna certain of Your nearness. Direct her steps to the Solid Rock, where she can't be shaken Thank You, Father God, that You have given Your Son, Jesus, to the world, that Whoever calls on His name will be saved. Thank You, dear Jesus, for Your sacrifice so that we could believe and, believing, could have the peace that passes human understanding. You said, "In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Thank You for that perfect peace that we can have even in the midst of our trials. Thank you, dear Lord, that if she calls on You, You will never let Donna down - you are faithful. Father, show her how you long to be gracious to her; that You rise to show her compassion. Help her to wait on You, Lord - fill her with hope. Help her to know the truth, dear God, that nothing is impossible with You! Oh, Lord, You have been so gracious to me! I ask that You would show that same grace to Donna, in just the way she needs to experience it - so that she will know just how long and high and wide and deep is Your love for her! Thank you, Father, that there is no need or desire too small or too great to bring to You - You are able to do more than we could ever even dream of! Bless Donna with Your presence and Your divine Provision - keep her safe, encourage her heart and above all, let her know she is loved with an everlasting love! In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

I've been going through some rough times, too, and just like you, I've wanted to run away - quite recently, in fact! Our situations, I'm sure, are very different - but God is not! Here's a little snippet of wisdom from a devotional book I have - the writer is Luci Swindoll:

"Jesus Christ offers all of us a sustaining hope in the midst of the here and now. Hope is a heartfelt assurance that our heavenly Father knows what's best for us and never makes a mistake. Joy and fulfillment are not in another town, another job, another life. They're in your very own heart. Believe it. Clasp His hand and come. You're never too old to start living fully. Ask God for a fresh perspective on your life."

I think that's great! I'm 51, starting my life over - and the process is painful. I don't know what the future, short-term or long-term, has for me. But I'm not going it alone - God is with me, Christ is in me - the Hope of Glory. The Holy Spirit leads me, comforts me, counsels me. And God sends brothers and sisters to me to help carry my load - they're "stretcher-bearers" while I'm weak. Just a few days ago, I broke down and cried with a friend about the pressures of my job and how weary I am, trying to pack and move out by the 15th while I'm still struggling to learn my job. She just calmly took out a notepad, asked me about my schedule, how much did I have to move, what would be a good day, etc. The next day, she had lined up a team of movers and in doing so, a couple of people had mentioned that God had put me on their hearts for the past few weeks - and they've been praying hard for me! They were "God with skin on" to me - and I've been reminded once again that God is not unaware of or unsympathetic to my distress (and He's merciful and kind - much of my "mess" is of my own making - but He doesn't condemn). I pray that if you don't have a support network, that God will build one for you - and that you will be blessed.

With the love of Christ,
Kaybee C

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