Are You Exhausted

[Ramez5]

Be exhausted for God, but remember that your supply comes from Him. “All my fresh springs shall be in Thee.” ~Oswald Chambers

Such a beautiful reminder for me this morning! I went to bed late… reading about something important and woke up really early (internal clock lol) and then remembered that I had promised to attend at least one prayer vigil with faithful Joe W.
That morning, my first thought was, “there’s no way I’m gonna make it this morning”– that I was too sleepy and how cold it was! But I knew I was busy next Saturday. We’d talked about me coming all week. I just really felt I mustgo.
As if there were no physical limitations, I simply found myself groping around for clothes in the dark, careful not to wake my husband, to go to the early slot at Planned Parenthood for the Saturday morning prayer vigil. I was hoping to get home early for whatever family projects were planned for the day.
I know for a fact that I never would have made that trek at that hour on six hours sleep.. had it not been for the grace of God!
He just gives you strength that goes far beyond our normal physical limitations. His mercy and empowering never ceases to astonish me! Somehow, my body just went through the forward motion almost without thought.
Joe was already there, faithfully holding his sign and nodding and waving at the visitors as they arrived. Far too many, we both agreed. My son and I have gone before and seen almost no one there. Sadly, today, that was not the case.
How I admire his and Joyce’s staunch determination to pray as they have done..week in and week out– all winter long!
It really blessed me to know the Lord had got me out of bed to keep Joe company, since Joyce couldn’t make it that morning. It’s always wonderful to see his warm smile. Such a gentle and quiet warrior for the Lord! His weekly accounts were what finally got me there that day.
We prayed for about an hour after my arrival. Joe greeted everyone and offered information to those who might be interested, just like I’d read about on his weekly posts. I was glad he was there as I’d not been there at a busy time before and felt a bit nervous .. though praying soon took care of that. How heavy our hearts were watching so many girls walk through those doors.
I was about to tell Joe that it was time for me to head home when a young girl showed up with her parents. We watched her walk in and then shortly afterward, she came running out of the building weeping uncontrollably.. such a sweet young girl!
Joe quickly handed me a gift bag with resources and nudged me toward the hysterical girl.. I just went…and poured out my heart for this poor little thing..I couldn’t help it.
I quickly told her that I’d gotten pregnant too at her age and knew how hard this was and that we loved her and would be praying and that there were alternatives to abortion. Through her tears she blew me a kiss from the front seat of the car. I blew one back from the boulevard.
I just wanted to wrap her up in my arms and tell her it could be ok… and would be. I knew Jesus wanted me to be there that morning to help Joe.
Joe and the faithful Rosary group prayed even harder (the Lord’s army as he so aptly called them).. and I stayed a while longer as we did hope to learn more. But we didn’t. We will simply have to keep praying and trust that the Lord will use our efforts and help her make the right choice.
Once again, the Lord showed us that his timing is always perfect. He alwaysgives us the strength to do His will. And it will not be exhausting. They that wait on the Lord will renew their strength.
Thank you Lord for sending me to Louetta today. May you help this young lady to grasp the truth, that her baby’s life is at stake and give her the courage to protect that baby. We pray you would soften the mother’s heart.. and strengthen her Daddy’s. May he help his daughter follow through and make the right choice.
In your precious name we pray, Amen

[Mary Naeem]

Thanks Ramez