I have found myself once again in what I used to call the "Rodeo Bull Syndrome."  I'm the bull, contained behind the heavy gate, stomping, heaving, determined to break out of the confined space I'm locked into.  I've been in this Rodeo Bull Syndrome twice before in my life and both times the Lord has used it to teach me something deeply and vitally important:  how to WAIT ON HIM.  

In a blog dated April 1, 2017, I wrote about such a time when I was crying out to God for release from my situation and He told me to sit before Him and WAIT. Apparently I needed to hear His words again so I will re-post it below:

I sat before the Holy One. I did wait. And He did speak:
"Not this time. It is not time for you to go and do. This time your body is over-taxed and your mind overwhelmed. You must leave the sixth day and come into the Seventh Day - My Sabbath - my day of Rest. So many of my own still make the Sabbath a time of heavy work and preparation. They rush to get dressed and speed down the highways to get there on time. They come home exhausted from all the activity of their "Day of Rest.

"Learn what this means - really learn it. I gave man a day to set aside all cares and anxieties and striving - and abide in Me. Abide in - make your home in - Me. Take a deep breath of My Spirit. Wait before Me. Those who wait on Me will renew their strength.

"Yes, child, picture yourself bundled up in a blanket, your Bible in your hand. That is your weapon. My Word goes before you to fight the enemy. In quietness and confidence is your strength.

"God-Rest is trust, utter trust, and unfailing faith that in the Seventh Day I will make everything complete. You will be victorious. Your strength will be renewed - in the Day of Rest.

"Stand still and you will see the deliverance your God will bring you."

Hebrews 4:9
There remains, then, a Sabbath Rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's Rest also rests from His own work, just as God did from His.

 For several evenings this past week I have sat down to begin writing a blog, only to find that words escape me.  Days of caregiving run on and on and become a blur.  Holy Spirit did intervene at some point and correct the way I was trying - in my own imagination - to plan and orchestrate the way John would leave this world and enter into Glory. He spoke to me in the way a parent reproves a child and said, "You have wrapped these days to come in a nice, tidy little package that suits you. I tell you to hand that tidy little package over to Me. Give it into My hands. It will not be easy as much more is required of you. These are not your plans, but MINE. Will you trust me? Will you stay the course?"

I have repented. I have asked forgiveness. I was trying to plan the future as if any of it is up to me! This word from the Lord was then followed, the very next morning by a prophetic word sent out by Marsha Burns. Through her the Lord said, "Refuse to be rattled by startling challenges when things do not go the way you expected. Roll with the punches and do the best you can with the unexpected.  Stay steady and go with the flow of the only constant you have - MY SPIRIT."
See Marsha's website here: ft111.com/

These messages are so startlingly similar it would be impossible to miss what God is trying to show me - and perhaps others as well. It reminds me of an old adage we used to toss around: "Man makes his plans and God laughs."  Please do not misunderstand. I truly do not feel God is laughing at me. I know that ultimately He is trying to prepare me to walk a road that may turn out to be much more challenging than I have anticipated. I have handed my "tidy little package" of plans over to the One who created me, the One who holds the plans for every one of His children's lives; plans to prosper us and not to harm us. His words of caution did not frighten me. On the contrary it gave me peace to remember that I am not in control, but the One who holds the future is!  

I will trust Him. I will stay the course. I will keep the vows I made to love, honor and cherish my husband until death parts us. I will do my best not to get rattled by startling challenges! Life is full of those for everyone right now. So much uncertainty in all our lives as we wonder if our bank accounts will disappear, if our country will be at war, even if our children are safe in school. Every one of us must resolve to "stay steady and go with the flow of the only constant we have - THE RUACH, THE SPIRIT OF GOD! 

In closing I'm posting a link below to a VERY fascinating article about the Ark of the Covenant, written by Michael Snyder. As we continue on our own paths, walking with the Lord, we MUST keep our focus on Israel (as I am always exhorting)!  This article, and the follow-up article (both linked below) reminds us that our God is getting ready to do some very wondrous things in the days ahead!

https://themostimportantnews.com/archives/watch-israel-because-i-believe-that-events-of-historic-significance-could-soon-happen

themostimportantnews.com/archives/i-told-you-that-they-know-exactly-where-the-ark-of-the-covenant-is-located