When the Lord speaks, it is for a REASON

I have learned through the times in my life when the Lord speaks a word into my heart, that it comes with purpose and for a reason.  I shared with you earlier this week about having a Perfect Life or a Perfect Peace here, and also about Abiding in Him here.

After sharing that with you on Monday morning, it didn't take long for me to have to turn to those words that I both heard, and wrote - for comfort, strength, and purpose.

I received a phone call late Monday afternoon from a friend of mine who I have known for several years.  I was introduced to her because her daughter and my daughter are friends.  We became friends because of our daughter's friendships.  My dear friend is not a believer though, and so I believe the Lord brought our lives together for just that reason, to encourage her to find true life in Him.  I cannot share all the details of her situation here, but trust me in the fact that she and her children are living in a very difficult situation with domestic violence being a constant issue.  Through the last couple of years that I have known her, the problems have been steadily increasing.  This Monday afternoon, when I received the phone call from her, things had become intense, and very dangerous for her and her children.  She called me again at 11:30 Monday night, as she was hiding outside in the cold, and crying. I told her I wanted to call the police, but she said nothing would change because he hadn't done anything "physical", but she was still scared.  I prayed with her, and talked with her and we both felt peace after praying.  The next morning she called me to say that her husband had admitted he needed to go to rehab, which we felt was a breakthrough.  However, the situation de-escalated again last night, despite his words of changing, and again, tremendous fear and emotional abuse taking place.  I have talked with her throughout the day today, and also have spent time talking with those who know her situation well.

If any of you have any experience in working with a situation of abuse, you know how difficult it is for them to leave.  She has known she needs to leave, but for certain reasons, feels that she can't... at least not yet.  In about two weeks, the possibility for her to leave may be possible, but her husband knows about that possibility, and so, the violence between them has escalated.  She feels she needs to stay for the next two weeks, but the violence is at a point, that she really needs to leave now.  The problem is convincing her to leave now, before the point in two to three weeks when it would be easier for her to leave.

I have spoken with the local police, crisis counselor, and a physician's office involved with the situation.  All have advised that nothing can be done unless two things happen - someone gets hurt, or she leaves voluntarily before something happens.

All advised that they have been counseling her to leave for at least a year now, and she has been unwilling.

For those of you who believe in prayer, and who are reading this... I know that there are so many problems in the world, and people who are hurting in your world too, but if you wouldn't mind just praying for "T" and asking the Lord to give her the strength to do what she needs to do, and keep her safe, I would appreciate it.

One thing I know for sure, is that there is no greater power on earth available to us than when we pray. I believe the Lord spoke the words earlier to me about abiding in Him, and having perfect peace so that someday "T" can see and know that the Lord is able to do just this for her too.  Pray for the Lord's will be to accomplished in this situation, and that it will end peaceably, and without violent confrontation.

There is a plan that the crisis intervention lady has shared that seems like a viable plan.  However, "T" needs to be convinced to do this, and  have the strength to go through with it.  She is the one who must decide though, and I have told her that I am willing to help and encourage her through it, as are others too.

I am expecting the Lord to do something great, because the situation - in my eyes, and to all those who are involved - seems discouraging.  Yet, I have learned that when situations seem the worst, this is truly when the Lord can do the greatest.

So, if you would pray and believe with me, I truly would appreciate it! When the Lord speaks, it is for a reason, and I want to continue to trust, abide in Him, and remain in perfect peace, as this situation unfolds.  Thank you!