_______________ DAY 27 – KNOW HIS WILL/ENDURANCE_______________
We ask God to give these ladies wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that they’ll LIVE WELL for the Master, making him proud of them as they work hard in his orchard. As they learn more and more how God works, they’ll learn how to do their work. We pray that they’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul – not the grim strength of gritting their teeth but the GLORY-STRENGTH God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into JOY, THANKING, the Father who makes them strong enough to take part in everything BRIGHT and BEAUTIFUL that he has for them.
Colossians 1:10-12, The Message
Give attendees eyes to see and absorb your beauty and creativity. Renew their JOY. Awaken their thankfulness. For those carrying heavy burdens for themselves, family, and friends, give them opportunities to share with someone at the retreat to help carry these loads to the Father.
The Taliban take-over of Afghanistan has imposed the strictest interpretation of Islam in the world today. The results have been devastating for the economy and for the Afghan women. We pray Lord that the unprecedented openness to the “good news” created by these sufferings may ultimately lead to a great harvest. Two decades of unremitting war has brought most of the population to ruin and destitution. Thank you Father that since 1966 a number of Christian relief and development agencies have ministered to the blind, maimed, sick, deprived, illiterate, and needy. We pray for their courage in the face of severe restrictions or constant harassment; may their lives commend Him.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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