“O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in antimony, and your foundations I will lay in sapphires, moreover, I will make your battlements of rubies and your gates of crystal and your entire wall of precious stones.
And all your children will be taught of the Lord; and the well being of your children will be great. In righteousness you will be established; you will be far from oppression, for you will not fear; and from terror, for it will not come near you.” Jeremiah 54:11-14
My breath catches in my throat as I read these words, and it seems as if the Lord is seated beside me riding shotgun on the couch this morning. As if He is speaking straight to me. Years of warfare for my children has left me spiritually exhausted and in need of encouragement.
It seems those words were spoken straight to my heart. Yet I still wonder if this is my imagination or the Lord really speaking to me.
My children, I love to watch them set good goals and chase after them; but, there have been times when I saw them making choices I knew were a prerequisite for disaster.
Images from Slot Canyons in Arizona
With the Words from Jeremiah still swirling, and twirling in my mind, I pull on my jeans and blouse, and drive to the deli to meet friends for coffee.
The aroma of bacon and fresh coffee greet me at the door as I adjust my “I’m happy and everything. is. o.k.” mask and slide into the booth with my friends.
After an hour of listening to how perfect everyone’s life is, I could feel my “happy” mask slipping. So I gave my best lie excuse to everyone and headed for my car.
That’s when I saw it – A beautiful bracelet laying on the asphalt right beside my driver’s side door. Apparently a car had run over it flattening some of the setting – but reparable. Walking back into the deli I gave my name and number to the manager so that the person who had lost it could call and have the bracelet returned.
It has been ten years, and though I checked several times, no one has ever come to look for the bracelet.
Just as I am getting into my car to go and hide in a cave of despair –I find a bracelet filled with sapphires, rubies, pearls, and diamonds, right there on the road. Precious stones that were spoken of in His Word and placed on my heart earlier.
I will tell you, the road to answered prayers is sometimes a road filled with potholes, blind curves, speed traps, construction zones, and areas of lightless backstreets and treasure. Right when you think you cannot make it around another curve, He will give you encouragement.
You have a mighty warrior-King, riding shotgun beside you – the One who navigates and watches for danger as you concentrate on listening to His voice.
The One who takes you to His stronghold to encourage you, helps you heal, and builds around you the Wall of His Word – Jewels of Wisdom.
The children, they are safe in His care, being taught of the Lord as we kneel to pray.
When space seems too great between you and your children, and words too few, we know by faith He is there riding shot-gun with us, and with our young as well.
“For the prayers of a righteous man (praying mama) can accomplish much.”
Linking today with Michelle DeRusha, Laura Boggess and Angie Ryg.
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I love this and we have to talk friend!! You are SPOT ON with this post. I love you!!
Can’t wait to talk with YOU!!! Love you!
He is so faithful to speak to us in the way that he knows we’ll hear it. Beautiful story of God’s love over you Diane.
He is faithful Shelly. You and I can testify fully to His love over us.
I’m finally catching up and had to chime in on this one, Diane. GOR.GEOUS. The images, the words, everything. Availing in prayer with your for our babies. So glad He watches over them and loves them with an unfailing love!
He holds our children right next to Him on this bumpity ride.
REmind me to show you the bracelet next time we are together. God. just. blows. me. away!
Oh, I am not sure which spoke to me more..the beauty of your words or the beauty of your photos. You are a blessing and a gift.
“You have a mighty warrior-King, riding shotgun beside you – the One who navigates and watches for danger as you concentrate on listening to His voice.”
Oh, yes. This. SO much more of this!
Thanks for linking up! XO
Angie thank you for stopping by to visit. I love to photograph God’s beauty.