A Loving Dad

Merry Christmas, Everyone!!!

I am up in the early morning, while everyone is sleeping, because I had to put the turkey in the oven. I thought I would write something of what happened to me this month because to me, it is a miracle!

About a month ago, I encountered a "concern". A concern that was so huge that in normal circumstances it would have flattened me emotionally, and as many of you know, when you are brought down emotionally, you are often brought down physically, also. Simply made ill with worry. That would be me! A blithering mess! *smile*

But, I truly felt the hand of God this month. I have ridden through this entire month with an absolute sense of overwhelming peace and certainty that all would be well. *But*, at the same time, I had a calm that if all was not well, I was *cool* with it! How radical is that?!! *smile*

This morning I got a devotion that speaks exactly what happened to / through me this month.

"Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me." John 16:32

No bird is as solitary as the eagle. Eagles never fly in flocks; one, or at most two, ever being seen at once. But the life that is lived unto God, however, it forfeits human companionships, knows Divine fellowship.

God seeks eagle-men. No man ever comes into a realization of the best things of God, who does not, upon the Godward side of his life, learn to walk alone with God.

Moses, skilled in all the wisdom of Egypt, must go forty years into the desert alone with God.

Let God isolate us... In this isolating experience He develops an independence of faith and life so that the soul needs no longer the constant help, prayer, faith, or attention of his neighbour...

It was this for me this month. For some unknown reason, as I waited to know the results of my concern and utmost hearts prayers, I was not relying on friends. Without even trying to be strong, I didn't *need* my friends and family, as I have in the past. I was held in the palm of God's hand. I had an absolute sense of peace, *no matter* what the end result of my concern would be!

We yield to God and He takes us through something, and when it is over, those about us, who are no less loved than before, are no longer depended upon. We realize that He has wrought some things in us, and that the wings of our souls have learned to beat the upper air.

It does make a difference! Because now I know I am at peace with however my future plays out. Even during my wait I knew I was at peace. That is *not* like me!! Thank you, Lord for carrying me through this. And you know, it was not *anything* I did. I always read about people who went through things and relied on God and I always felt, "Well good for you. I try to lean on God but my fear always comes through and I never feel God holding me up."

This time it was different. God was there *immediatley* in a physical sense, in the way He allowed appointments and circumstances to line up befote I could worry. Where I would have waited normally, I didn't. He showed Himself by arranging things in my life to show me He was in charge - no matter the outcome!!

Praising God for His Holy Presence this Christmas. May you all experience the overwhelming self of love and compassion of a God that loves *you* - He didn't just create the world. He created *you* and He loves each and every one of us. He cares about all the small things in our lives and all the big things. I hope that you will take a step of faith and reach out to a God that loves you just like a daddy loves a little girl.

With love this Holy season, Justine

P.S. All *is* well. My concerns were unfounded; I found out yesterday!