God's Mercy

Psalm 86:19  "I know God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and great in loving kindness.  He hears my cries and keeps me."

I've often said that God's timing in my life is impeccable.  The morning of November 8, 2016, election day, I was reading a book about The Book of Genesis.  The reading that morning was about the destruction of Sodom.  What caught my attention was the bargaining between Abraham and God
regarding that deplorable city.  Abraham believed God loved righteousness so much that Abraham could ask God to stay his hand of destruction if there could be found 50, no 40, no 30, no 20, no 10 righteous in the city.  Abraham dared to test God's patience because he had personally experienced it.  God listened and then spared just the family of Lot.  Not much righteousness there but God's mercy is SO GREAT.

As I remembered and read that story, that afternoon I asked my brother and sister to join me in lifting America to God as Abraham lifted Sodom.  For the sake of the righteous in our great land, would God show us mercy in the election?  He did! But, I woke numerous times that night and recalled all those moments during the election returns and ballot counting when I struggled with my faith.  I had to leave the TV room and go into the dark and quiet of another room and once again focus on the MIGHT of our great GOD.  Lifting my hands again toward heaven I gave America's future to God.

As Charlie and I discussed the outcome of the election, he said, "this did not stop America's fall...it just slowed it down..."  As I considered this, I asked myself "why?" and "Now what?"  I came to this conclusion.  God has given His righteous ones time for one thing.  And one thing only.  Not to live life in the usual.  Not to say, "Whew...that was close".  But, time to share the Good News of Jesus. "SHARE ME WITH OTHERS" He said.  It is interesting that election day came one day after the Fall season time change.  We are given an extra hour - FOR A SEASON.  God is giving us "extra time for a season" to tell others about His grace and mercy and peace.  But, unlike the time change with the seasons, we don't know when His mercy clock on America will run out.

Another part of my thoughts about all of this during the night were these words from Abba Father God.  "Daughter, when you tell others about ME, it won't be easy...you will be rejected...you will be ridiculed...you will be hated".  Not exactly words I want to hear.  So, now I must go to Him for His grace - to be bold...to love others more than myself.   I pray HE will never let me forget the mercy of election night, 2016.

Following God's Lead

Think of it this way:

God: I designed you for deep dependence on your Shepherd-King.  When you don't know what to do, wait while I open the way before you. Trust that I know what I'm doing, and be ready to follow My lead. I will give strength to you, and I will bless you with Peace.

Gini: Lead on, my Great and Awesome Shepherd-King