Many years ago, I attended an event where a pastor from South Africa was speaking.  I could not tell you what he was talking about, but I clearly remember where I was sitting in the front row when the Lord spoke to my heart: Your children will rise and call you blessed. I immediately imagined the smallest way in which this could come to pass, but then the Spirit elaborated: All four of your children will come to serve me in your lifetime.

As this promise took hold inside of me, I tried not to make a scene.  But I was gasping, and tears of joy were streaming down my face. I remember walking around in a state of euphoria for the next several days. And then life happened, and the feeling faded as my kids went farther off the rails.

In the years since that day, I have not often reflected on that experience. That incident alone would not have sustained me all this time, nor given me any direction.  It’s a long journey we’re on, and we can’t go the distance on a single meal. I could tell you about other promises I have received, while praying, reading the Word, or listening to inspired teaching and prophecy.  But that would be like me describing a spaghetti dinner I’ve eaten and expecting it to fuel you to run a marathon without eating anything yourself.

Jesus said, “…It is the Spirit that gives life.  The flesh will not help you.  The words I have given you are spirit and life.” (John 6:63)

The graphic I have chosen for this post is of a woman standing on a high mountaintop looking over the tops of the clouds.  I want to convey a sense of rising above the circumstances around us (the flesh) and focusing on the words of Jesus (the Spirit.)  I encourage you to nurture yourself with the life-giving promises of God.  For every problem you face, God has provided a way out.  All things are possible for him; and he loves your child more than you do. It is essential to spend as much time as you can above the clouds, feeding yourself with the truth of God’s everlasting power and authority.

I love what Paul says in 2 Timothy:

For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day. (2 Timothy 1:12)

I, too, know whom I have believed, and I am convinced he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him.  The writer of Hebrews advises us to imitate those who through faith and patient endurance receive the promises.  The patience he speaks of is not passive waiting around for God to move, but actively seeking to be closer to God, to know him better, to follow him wherever he leads.  Contemplate the father’s reaction in our parable, who of course represents our own Father God.

At last the son came to his senses… and started back to his father. He was still a long way from home when his father saw him; his heart was filled with compassion, and he ran, threw his arms around his son, and kissed him. ‘Father,’ the son said, ‘I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son.’ But the father called to his servants. ‘Hurry!’ he said. ‘Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. Then go and get the prize calf and kill it, and let us celebrate with a feast! For this son of mine was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.’ And the feasting began. (Luke 15:17, 20-24)

Know that this is our Father’s heart; he longs not just for your prodigal child, but for you as well.  He longs for each of us to turn to him. Every time we begin to move toward him, he welcomes us with open arms, and receives us with great joy.

Today, I bless you with the knowledge of God’s great love for you. I bless your spirit with the eternal power of Jesus’ resurrection. I bless you with overcoming faith, patient endurance, and joy unspeakable.