Tag Archives: Trusting God

Artsakh Under Siege – Day 28

The latest Turkish/Azeri aggression upon Artsakh, an enclave of Armenia, is a blockade now hitting a crisis of one month. While the Azeri war upon Artsakh in 2020 killed nearly 4000 soldiers and displaced tens of thousands of villagers, this current stranglehold is set to starve, deprive, and drive away the those who remain on their homeland.

As of December 12th, 2022, Azeri military has cut off food, fuel, medicine and access to hospitals.

A prelude to ethnic cleansing and genocide, 120,000 Armenians remain hostage.

https://asbarez.com/human-rights-organizations-warn-of-risks-of-genocide-in-artsakh/

https://en.armradio.am/2023/01/09/uk-says-closure-of-lachin-corridor-risks-severe-humanitarian-consequences/

Christian Genocide Warning Signs in Artsakh

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Artsakh, and most of Armenia, is surrounded by enemies. Blocking the lifeline to Artsakh is now a humanitarian crisis, worsening day by day.

https://www.armenpress.am/eng/news/1100163/

Please join us and cry out for Artsakh!

Pray that the blockade be lifted! For provisions to come through!

Pray for pastors, elders, and clergy in Artsakh and Armenia:

  • Pray for the Lord to encourage them as they face great challenges
  • Pray that God’s word comes alive in their hearts
  • Pray for unction and revival, to shake the hearts of nominal Christians

Pray for faith in villagers and townspeople:

  • May the Holy Spirit encourage them and revive their faith
  • May they see God move as their provider and protector
  • Pray for powerful prayer meetings to gather, unifying them with a trust in the Lord

Pray for Artsakh and Armenia to become a light and beacon for their surrounding enemies

  • Pray that the Lord, in His sovereignty and mercy, defend and protect the borders
  • Pray to God that He confound the enemy, weaken their limbs and resolve, extinguish their zeal, and drive them away
  • Call upon the Holy Spirit to convict the hearts of Azeris and Turks, open their eyes and convict their souls!

Pray that they, and all of us, will grasp the power of prayer, gain a greater revelation of our Father in heaven, and walk in victory through the dark times in this world.

We are praying every night, please join in whenever you can.

Thank you all.

When God Lifts You Up

I wrote most, if not all, of the posts on this site from a season of intense trial and emotional pain.  The details of personal loss, deep betrayals, and painful unraveling remain vague as  my intent is never to expose people, especially those who are forgiven.  I hope, rather, to share this reality:  God allows, even orchestrates, painful crushing in our lives for the purpose of molding, maturing, and changing us for His service and glory, conforming us to the image of His Son.     The Lord may lead us into a confusing wilderness, strip away all personal foundations, and take away our health, ministry and possessions.  We may cry a million tears, be wrapped in anxiety and turmoil, and sojourn alone but our confidence must lie in the sovereignty of God and His utter control over every circumstance.  For quite sometime I gripped onto this truth:

“Grain for bread is crushed but no one threshes it forever.”

I did not die during those recent years although some emotional pain was so intense I feared brain damage or heart attack.  No counselor, friend or elder brought relief, only clinging to the Lord, shutting away with Him in prayer, searching and studying His word. 

Then, one day I took off my wig – (did I mention that my hair fell out?) and saw and felt…could it be…that, after two years of wearing wigs my hair was suddenly coming back?  With much trepidation, “Yes, I think so!”  While gradual inner healing and restoration came from the Lord, this was a personal touch from His hand – and the hair that grew back was better than what I lost!

But there was more.  This month, as a significant birthday approached, there was talk of a ‘party’.  I had not felt an inner place of ‘celebration’ for a long time and certainly did not care to celebrate just getting older.  Somehow, though, a ball started rolling and would not stop with my protests.  One night anxiety rebounded and woke me, and I cried to the Lord in prayer.  This scripture pressed upon my heart,

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.”  (I Peter 5:6)

Was this party from the Lord?  I believed and accepted it,  peace came over me and I sought to honor Him.  I did not know the details of this ‘party’ but prepared a handout for my guests, most if not all of whom do not know the Lord, many are seniors…”Over the Hill” like me!Scan0062No one except the Lord knows how the evening touched me – real joy took root in my heart.   I had the rare opportunity of addressing all my relatives in one place…

my party speaking

“There’s no need to celebrate me, all I did was get a bit older!  It’s the Lord who deserves all the praise and celebration….” 

 

With the Armenian band and joy in my heart I felt truly festive!

And a fabulous cake as well!

my party close to cake

What Isaiah spoke of Jesus, “…it was the Lord’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer” can also pertain to Christ’s followers who are called to pick up their cross and follow Him.  Trials and tribulations on this journey are purposeful,  with eternal value.  We are His own.  We have every supernatural promise to believe that He will protect us, sustain us, speak to our hearts –  heal and restore.  And what’s more, at the right time, He will lift us up!