Restoration

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and all that may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. – (3 John 1:2, NIV) 

Dear friend, I am praying that all is well with you and that your body is as healthy as I know your soul is. – (3 John 1:2, TLB) 

Beloved friend, I pray that you are prospering in every way and that you continually enjoy good health, just as your soul is prospering. – (3 John 1:2, TPT) 

 

Just as John’s words were an encouragement to Gaius, may they also be an encouragement to each of us. Often, the condition of our soul carries with it a seeming sort of boost for our physical health as well. However, I know this is not always the case, as I am acquainted with a handful of faithful believers who are fighting horribly difficult and serious battles with their health. It is my prayer that healing would come and health would be fully restored this side of heaven. May it be well with our souls as we seek our Savior for all things – body, heart, soul and mind. 

 

O Lord, as I pray,

May I keep in mind; 

Your faithful in need, 

Bring health, as designed. 

May things all be well, 

Mind, body and heart; 

As we seek Your face, 

Make illness depart. 

You are the Healer, 

Of all misaligned; 

Please heal and restore, 

Each heart, soul and mind. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are encouraged in our faith and that You are the Healer of each part of us, Your created. Thank You that You hear every prayer. Forgive us for not seeking You to contend for those who need healing as often as we should. Bring to our minds all those to lift up before You and teach us to pray as You would have us pray. Show us how to love those around us in tangible and practical ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for all of the goodness that You have granted in our lives. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace be with you. – 2 Corinthians 13:11

 

 

My Love and My Strength

I love You, Lord; You are my strength. – (Psalm 18:1, NLT)

Lord, how I love You! For You have done such tremendous things for me. – (Psalm 18:1, TLB)

I love You, God – You make me strong. – (Psalm 18:1, MSG)

 

The verse speaks for itself, as David is a dude to whom I can relate. This past week has been one of the busiest weeks of the year thus far. Monday, semester grades were due and it was the first day of gymnastics season. (I am the head coach at my school) Tuesday, after a full day of teaching and coaching, I rushed home to make dinner for my boys, and then was blessed with an evening at a hockey game. Wednesday, I had early morning practice, another full day of teaching, afternoon staff meetings, followed by time with my boys, and then errand running with my dear friend. By the time I had arrived home on Wednesday afternoon, the beginning of a migraine had taken root. Thursday, I woke and was greeted by a pounding headache still, but did not have a “tap out” option in my week, so I had to trust the Lord to provide the strength I needed to teach, participate in team collaboration, function during my mid-year evaluation, coach, and arrive safely home. I was able to get outside for a long walk, followed by a quieter evening at home. Friday found its arrival with the migraine still in place, so another day of trusting and leaning in happened here. Thankfully, I was able to reach my chiropractor and friend, and she ordered her schedule to meet me at the office after practice, to adjust, as misalignment often contributes to the pain. At last, after three days, I had relief. He had done tremendous things for me to sustain, and then provide way for real relief. It is amazing how God demonstrates His strength in our weakness, and further shows us how worthy of love He is, as He loves us so well. May we let our love for the Lord lead us, as we trust Him to be our strength.

 

Lord, how I love You,

For all that You are;

How You provide strength,

You’re never too far.

When we call on You,

You hear each request;

You grant us the strength,

To navigate best.

I can’t even count,

The most wondrous things;

Each act of Your love,

My reasons to sing.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, I love You and am so thankful for who You are and how You love. You are my strength in weakness, and my hope and help, as I need You to navigate my days well. Forgive me for the times that I attempt to power through without seeking You. Teach me to trust You more, so that I would seek You in all things and at all times, and recognize the tremendous things that You do for me each day. Show me how to love well, those around me, so that they might gain glimpses of Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we love You with our lives, and trust You to be our strength. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. – Acts 2:28