Be Blessed

I sat staring at a blank computer screen. No topic for Peter’s Wife presented itself to me. Then I began to think about those who receive this newsletter: those I personally know, and the many I have not met. But whether we know one another personally or not, if you are a PW I do know somethings about you.

I think about the sacrifices you have made to be where you are. You may not feel it is a sacrifice, but rather a privilege. But whether you feel like it is a sacrifice or not, you will have your reward for making the choices that led you to the place you serve today.

I remember the hard work involved in serving where you are.
Language school is hard work. I don’t know how you do it. I am thankful I wasn’t required to learn another language, because I am not good at learning languages. Maybe you don’t feel like you are good at it either, and yet that is what you need to do to work on your field. You will have your reward for all your effort.

Living in primitive conditions is hard work. Some of us might feel like we are camping out when we stay in a two star hotel! You have none of the modern conveniences, and the activities of daily living take most of your time and strength. You will have your reward for being willing to camp year-round and for the hard physical labor you do.

Home schooling is hard work. 24/7 with your children can be exhausting. It may not be as physically demanding as other lives, but it is mentally and emotionally draining. The responsibility you carry for all your child’s education is a heavy load. Being on call all day as either mom or teacher makes it difficult, or even impossible to do much else. You will have your reward for serving your small field in the midst of the larger one.

Working on a team is hard work. Any team is a mixture of cultures and personalities that leave room for friction and misunderstanding. Being willing to play your part and help others succeed in their part is demanding. Refusing grudges and not taking sides: both are easier said than done. You will have your reward for willingly playing your part, and helping the other team members play theirs.

Living in limited access countries is hard. Having the courage to do all you can and the wisdom to avoid unnecessary problems is a challenging balancing act. Knowing your every word and action is observed and recorded–the almost total lack of privacy–is hard. You will have your reward for going where so few would dare to go.

I Am Asking God to Bless You
I don’t know what your special needs are today, but I know the One who can meet them. I’m asking for financial provision for those who are in need in these days of rising cost and dwindling supply. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and knows your need before you ask!

I’m asking for health and healing for those whose bodies hurt today. He is the Great Physician!

I’m asking for hope for those who are discouraged. You may need a fresh vision or a reminder of one you received a long time ago. He doesn’t forget His promises.

I’m asking for strength for those who are tired and weak. I pray for times of rest and refreshing and for the grace to take the opportunities when they come.

I’m asking for peace for those whose minds are troubled by many things. He calmed the raging sea and He can calm the storm inside.

I’m asking for reconciliation for those who are at odds within their family or with co-workers or nationals. He reconciled us to the Father and can bring reconciliation between those who ask.

I’m asking for wisdom for those not sure what the next step should be. We are told that wisdom is one thing that will not be refused us when we ask. He longs to lead us, especially when we want to follow.

I’m asking for joy unspeakable! We all need joy to bubble up from our spirit. Like oil, to a machine, it makes our lives work smoothly.

Nothing can replace our close relationship with our Father. The enemy of our souls would do whatever he can to distract us from the goal set before us. Sometimes the slow pace of change and growth seems to make the vision fade from before our eyes. Cluttered minds and exhausted bodies make us more vulnerable to lies. Don’t allow yourself to drift away from the One who has the power to accomplish all He has planned.