Is it acceptable to "lay out a fleece" before God

[Bella1]

Good morning.

I am so divided over this question that I have been in agony over even asking all of you, but know that I will get good answers .... Pro and Con.

I have been separated for almost three years. I have gotten a Lawyer (not yet assigned) to process my divorce through Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program but it is taking FOREVER to get into a Lawyers office and to get my divorce, due to it being a "free" program for the disadvantaged.

I have been praying and praying for it seems like forever, for this process to be over. There are so many things that I need (not want) so that I can live and pay bills and take care of our son.

When (or if) I lay out a fleece before the Lord, do I ask for ALL that I need or do I fleece the Lord for just one thing that I need above all others?

I pray and I am not getting any answers. I have people tell me to just "wait on the Lord"...but when I am struggling to make ends meet and need God to supply NOW, how can I not be anxious?

I know my bible. I read and study but I am confused on this issue. Some input from all of you scholars would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Kelli

[acerrak]

putting out a fleece is biblical, i have done this on several occasions. God has answered both times. So dont let some one beat you with the faith stick on this.

I have personaly set a fleece out in prayer and asked for another person to answer that for me.

i usually gave it aweek and took it out of my hands so i could not effect the answer.

i basically kept it to one question, would be my suggestion

[Bella1]

putting out a fleece is biblical, i have done this on several occasions. God has answered both times. So dont let some one beat you with the faith stick on this.

I have personaly set a fleece out in prayer and asked for another person to answer that for me.

i usually gave it aweek and took it out of my hands so i could not effect the answer.

i basically kept it to one question, would be my suggestion

Thank you for your answer.

[Falla39]

Someone said, "The Teacher is silent while the test is being given". Could it be that is
why you are not getting an answer!

Hugs,

Falla39

[houston]

it is not biblical. it shows a lack of faith.

[houston]

Your church is big enough to help you, no?

[Bella1]

Someone said, "The Teacher is silent while the test is being given". Could it be that is
why you are not getting an answer!

Hugs,

Falla39

What is He trying to show me though? I do not believe that the Lord would purposely make/allow his Love to go through what I am going through. I have put ALL my trust in Him. And I have waited. And waited. I have not said a lot to anyone. No one around me (friends or church members) know how truly desperate I am. I have cried. Prayed. Prayed and cried. Although I don't know if I am getting though to heaven. It seems as though I am hitting a brick wall. I am spiritually confused. I thought that when you prayed, He was supposed to answer?

[Bella1]

Your church is big enough to help you, no?

I do not tell anyone at my church what is going on with me. I have been burned so badly at the last church that I went to that when I go to leadership to talk with them, I get literally sick. Before and after the talk I am sick for days. I want GOD to help me. I know I am asking a lot, but I want it to be a God thing when my prayer is answered. Not from the people in the church. Because then they would know my business and I just can't handle judgement from anyone else.

[Amanah]

Bella - I don't have the answers but I will be praying for you, Divorce is never an easy process. It is always painfull and heartbreaking. God has promised to supply our needs and he will. He has promised that he will never leave the righteous forsaken or his seed begging for bread. Sometimes it looks like the answer isn't coming. Sometimes we feel abandoned like Job. Sometimes life brings so much heartache suffering and pain that we wonder if God even remembers our addresss. But I assure you that he does know and he cares.

Romans 8
35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

[Falla39]

When Jesus had finished the work his Father had sent him to do, he sat down, on the right hand of God, expecting, until.....!

I remember the teacher assigning homework, using a book which we read and she taught some more. Then the day came for the test. She/He would sit down, and no one was allowed to talk. You couldn't "copy" from someone else. You should have listened, studied, and learned. Now that it was time for the test, you could not ask the teacher anything. Neither could you ask anyone else anything. No time to ask for answers now. If you had not learned the answers from the lessons given earlier, all you could do was wait. If you didn not pass the test, you were given more assignments, another chance, another test.

When you apply for a driver's license, you will be given a test. There is a handbook that has been prepared for those desiring to get a drivers license. If you read, study and prepare, it is very possible you will pass the test. If you don't pass the test, you can have another chance at passing. Some do not believe or know that there is a second chance if you failed. But another chance, a second chance never sounds so good, as to the one who needs it. I believe in the God of mercy, love and grace.

As children, we do not always do things right. But as we grow and mature, we see the importance of striving to do right and take things more seriously. We've all been young and immature and sometimes foolish, but our loving Father lovingly forgives us and perhaps says,"Let's try it again! You'll do better this time"! Just pay more attention this time and the test will be easy.
Bella's post brought back memories of school days. While this is not necessarily directed at her, there are principles involved that we could all learn from. There are times in life that we are given instructions, maybe in Bible study, or even in things not related to church. But when we learn to listen, study, obey and when the time of testing, we are confident of the answers and we pass the test easily... this time.

Falla39

[houston]

Maybe the Lord wants to meet your need through His people. Maybe the real test is restoring confidence in His people.

[Trouvere]

Sister Bella,
It is wonderful that you are waiting on God and not man to supply your need. He can and He will. If you have full confidence in Jesus, He will never let you down. I don't think you lack faith. I think you have faith or you would not be approaching Jesus for help or answers. Hang in there divorce is horrible and unless someone has been through it they do not understand. Praying for you. Jesus can supply your needs as He fed the Prophet Elijah. He can use any one and any circumstance to supply it. Hang in there and keep trusting Jesus. lv you.

[Bella1]

When Jesus had finished the work his Father had sent him to do, he sat down, on the right hand of God, expecting, until.....!

I remember the teacher assigning homework, using a book which we read and she taught some more. Then the day came for the test. She/He would sit down, and no one was allowed to talk. You couldn't "copy" from someone else. You should have listened, studied, and learned. Now that it was time for the test, you could not ask the teacher anything. Neither could you ask anyone else anything. No time to ask for answers now. If you had not learned the answers from the lessons given earlier, all you could do was wait. If you didn not pass the test, you were given more assignments, another chance, another test.

When you apply for a driver's license, you will be given a test. There is a handbook that has been prepared for those desiring to get a drivers license. If you read, study and prepare, it is very possible you will pass the test. If you don't pass the test, you can have another chance at passing. Some do not believe or know that there is a second chance if you failed. But another chance, a second chance never sounds so good, as to the one who needs it. I believe in the God of mercy, love and grace.

As children, we do not always do things right. But as we grow and mature, we see the importance of striving to do right and take things more seriously. We've all been young and immature and sometimes foolish, but our loving Father lovingly forgives us and perhaps says,"Let's try it again! You'll do better this time"! Just pay more attention this time and the test will be easy.
Bella's post brought back memories of school days. While this is not necessarily directed at her, there are principles involved that we could all learn from. There are times in life that we are given instructions, maybe in Bible study, or even in things not related to church. But when we learn to listen, study, obey and when the time of testing, we are confident of the answers and we pass the test easily... this time.

Falla39

Thank you Falla. I will take that to heart. And I do understand the lesson I must learn, Although I also have been admonished to stop being SO quite. I have basically shut down and have not spoken (literally) to anyone about anything in a couple of months. I have been trying to sit and listen. But I am still not getting an answer.

[Bella1]

Sister Bella,
It is wonderful that you are waiting on God and not man to supply your need. He can and He will. If you have full confidence in Jesus, He will never let you down. I don't think you lack faith. I think you have faith or you would not be approaching Jesus for help or answers. Hang in there divorce is horrible and unless someone has been through it they do not understand. Praying for you. Jesus can supply your needs as He fed the Prophet Elijah. He can use any one and any circumstance to supply it. Hang in there and keep trusting Jesus. lv you.

And I feel like I am not trusting God for some reason. I just don't want friends or church members to supply THIS need. I am sure you all understand. I need it to come from out of nowhere from a GOD SOURCE.

[Bella1]

Maybe the Lord wants to meet your need through His people. Maybe the real test is restoring confidence in His people.

Just knowing that I am talking to you all on line has gotten my physically sick. I have no trust in NO ONE right now. I have totally closed off even my closest friends, due to all the hurt I have endured. I KNOW God will heal me, just in His time. That is one of the things I am trusting in HIM for. But I have had such horrible hurt from church people that I cannot open my soul to anyone. I trust my pastor (he has helped me with my son) but I can't tell him personal things.

[Bella1]

Thank all of you for responding to this thread. I am trusting and praying that the Lord is going to contintue to take care of me and supply what I need. I love Him with ALL my soul and know without Him I am nothing. Continue to keep me in your prayers. This has been a long and arduous journey the last three years. I will be glad when it is a finished journey so that I can rest in my mind.

[rgcraig]

What's really sad is that your husband can't help support his son.

[Falla39]

Thank you Falla. I will take that to heart. And I do understand the lesson I must learn, Although I also have been admonished to stop being SO quite. I have basically shut down and have not spoken (literally) to anyone about anything in a couple of months. I have been trying to sit and listen. But I am still not getting an answer.

Dear Bella,
May our Loving Lord God help you through this time, in Jesus Name.

Falla

[Bella1]

What's really sad is that your husband can't help support his son.

I truly broke my heart when Raymond would not help care for Cameron these three years. Although I still love him dearly, true colors do shine through at difficult time like these. Now that Cameron is 18 and has started college, I would not be getting anything but insurance reimburements anyway. For that I am thankful. (although at this time the Attorney General stopped the insurance payments until we go to court. That is one of the reasons I am hurting financially.)

[acerrak]

it is not biblical. it shows a lack of faith.

exactly what i told you about bella.

yet we read where gideon put out a fleece, again you can put out in a fleece in faith, ignore post like this

[rgcraig]

I truly broke my heart when Raymond would not help care for Cameron these three years. Although I still love him dearly, true colors do shine through at difficult time like these. Now that Cameron is 18 and has started college, I would not be getting anything but insurance reimburements anyway. For that I am thankful. (although at this time the Attorney General stopped the insurance payments until we go to court. That is one of the reasons I am hurting financially.)

It's very sad. I can't believe the AG stopped the insurance payments until you go to court - you'd think he'd leave things as is until you went to court.

God's faithful.

[houston]

if she wants to kill a lamb... more power to her...

[acerrak]

Just knowing that I am talking to you all on line has gotten my physically sick. I have no trust in NO ONE right now. I have totally closed off even my closest friends, due to all the hurt I have endured. I KNOW God will heal me, just in His time. That is one of the things I am trusting in HIM for. But I have had such horrible hurt from church people that I cannot open my soul to anyone. I trust my pastor (he has helped me with my son) but I can't tell him personal things.

your a wounded worshiper, one of the most hurtfull things is when it comes from your own. the bad part is when we bottle up and let know one in.


Your in the starting phase of depression sister, and i know how bad that can be. Praise works wonders for this, Continue to pray but dont stop to seek.


there is a story about a man. He was Caught in a great storm. the area was beginning to flood. He prayed God rescue me.

Soon one of his family members pulled up said get into the car its started to flood we need to get out of here. The man replied NO, God will rescue me.

Finally the water was is his house, about 4 feet deep. a man came by in a row boat, hurry man getinto the BoaT!! . The man said NO SIR! God will rescue me.

finally the man was forced to crawl onto his roof, and a helicopter came by. Grab the rope, said the voice from the helicopter, but the man said GO AWAY GOD WILL SAVE ME.

eventually the man died, drowned in the current. He stood before God and said Lord why didnt you come and save me? God said i came to you 3 times, the car, the boat, and the helicopter, but you refused my help.


Remember God uses those around you to help you, it may never be like what you had pictured, but non the less God works through His Children.

God Bless

[acerrak]

if she wants to kill a lamb... more power to her...

obvious you never put one out on your own. and he put out a fleece, he didnt sloughter a lamb

[RandyWayne]

Just knowing that I am talking to you all on line has gotten my physically sick. I have no trust in NO ONE right now. I have totally closed off even my closest friends, due to all the hurt I have endured. I KNOW God will heal me, just in His time. That is one of the things I am trusting in HIM for. But I have had such horrible hurt from church people that I cannot open my soul to anyone. I trust my pastor (he has helped me with my son) but I can't tell him personal things.

I probably understand where you are coming from here more than most. God has taken care of me my whole life, but I only see His hand in extreme hindsight. The ever present "Footsteps" poster is really true although a bit deceiving in that it makes it look like God vanishes and hardships last days and weeks, when in fact they usually last years and decades. I see exactly what God was doing and saving me from during my 20's and early 30's.

Also, He helped me through some very suicidal times during my teen years when I was dealing with a very conservative church and horrible days in school. He never took away my depression..... but just gave me the strength to deal with it on most days. I can even see WHY he did this now (most of the time) because it is part of what makes up my personality. I've used this quote many times when talking on this subject, but as Captain James Kirk once said "I need my pain", when given the opportunity to have it removed.

[houston]

obvious you never put one out on your own.
don't need to

[Bella1]

your a wounded worshiper, one of the most hurtfull things is when it comes from your own. the bad part is when we bottle up and let know one in.


Your in the starting phase of depression sister, and i know how bad that can be. Praise works wonders for this, Continue to pray but dont stop to seek.


there is a story about a man. He was Caught in a great storm. the area was beginning to flood. He prayed God rescue me.

Soon one of his family members pulled up said get into the car its started to flood we need to get out of here. The man replied NO, God will rescue me.

Finally the water was is his house, about 4 feet deep. a man came by in a row boat, hurry man getinto the BoaT!! . The man said NO SIR! God will rescue me.

finally the man was forced to crawl onto his roof, and a helicopter came by. Grab the rope, said the voice from the helicopter, but the man said GO AWAY GOD WILL SAVE ME.

eventually the man died, drowned in the current. He stood before God and said Lord why didnt you come and save me? God said i came to you 3 times, the car, the boat, and the helicopter, but you refused my help.


Remember God uses those around you to help you, it may never be like what you had pictured, but non the less God works through His Children.

God Bless

I don't see myself as being depressed, although others do. My personality has TOTALLY changed from all of this. I used to be a dare devil, laugh in your face, tell you what I thought kind of person. Now, I rarely smile, I don't go any where with anyone, and I no longer have the need to tell you everything about me or my life. I was a front row, praise till you drop type of person and now I sit and watch. I still worship, don't get me wrong.I am just much more reserved. My walk with the Lord is deeper now I think. I don't just take someone at their word. And yes, as you can tell I do have a trust issue.

I have a friend and her husband that helps me when I need it. I just don't like asking for help unless I really need it. I try and do what I can for myself.

And I am learning to be alone. This has taken some getting used to. I was always surrounded by people. Now....no one. AND guess what? It is okay to be alone!

[Trouvere]

And I feel like I am not trusting God for some reason. I just don't want friends or church members to supply THIS need. I am sure you all understand. I need it to come from out of nowhere from a GOD SOURCE.

Sister don't give up. Jesus will supply the need. It may just be that you need to put some fasting and prayer and warfare behind that because the enemy is hindering.

[acerrak]

don't need to

that doesnt mean others cant.....

[in1accord]

I have been praying and praying for it seems like forever, for this process to be over. There are so many things that I need (not want) so that I can live and pay bills and take care of our son.

When (or if) I lay out a fleece before the Lord, do I ask for ALL that I need or do I fleece the Lord for just one thing that I need above all others?

I pray and I am not getting any answers. I have people tell me to just "wait on the Lord"...but when I am struggling to make ends meet and need God to supply NOW, how can I not be anxious?


Something that's difficult for me to understand as well is God's timing. It's so hard to wait. In my experience, I usually don't see or understand the "why" until afterward and when I look back, I see he had his hand on everything the entire time. In every instance he handled the situations much better than I would have thought of. (His ways truly are far above our ways). Every experience he's brought me through has been a learning experience for me.

Whatever you do, don't quit trusting God. Man disappoints...God doesn't. Look to God, not man, and put your complete trust in him.

I truly believe that God will not put more on you than you can bear. He will test you but he won't break you.

May God's peace and blessings be with you!

[mizpeh]

The fleece that Gideon put out was in making sure that what he had heard was truly from the Lord. This is what it looks like:

1) You receive a word from the Lord.
2) You have doubts. Did I really hear from God or was it wishful thinking? I'll put it to the test (fleece.)
3) I'll test it one more time(fleece). Judges 6

Did you receive a word/promise from God? Are you having doubts that you really heard from God? Put out a fleece.

God allows his children to go through hard trials of their faith. We don't always understand them but God allows them in his faithfulness and love to us. Yes, God lovingly allows us to go through fiery trials for a variety of reasons which we have to evaluate. Are we in sin? Are we being corrected? Are we like Paul in danger of being lifted up by pride and need a thorn in the flesh? Are we in a time of pruning? a time of being in the valley? What can we learn about ourselves from this trial? What do we know about God that we can firmly hold onto? etc..

We are in a local family of God for a reason. Trials should bring us closer together in love and in prayer and helping one another. Why not open up and ask for prayer? You will be in my prayers all this week. I'll be expecting God to talk to you, comfort you, and strengthen you.

[in1accord]

We are in a local family of God for a reason. Trials should bring us closer together in love and in prayer and helping one another. Why not open up and ask for prayer?

This is very good advice since the bible does teach us the importance of fellowship... "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." Acts 2:42

The entire book of Ephesians talks about the importance of unity and how the church is the body of Christ. In the human body, even the slightest bit of resistance creates disunity. Every part of the body must be connected to the body to live. If we disconnect from the body, we disconnect from the blood and will die. We must be connected to God and to each other. When you choose to separate yourself from the body of Christ, you separate from him.

Isolation from the family of God is not healthy for us as christians. We need each other.

[Falla39]

This is very good advice since the bible does teach us the importance of fellowship... "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." Acts 2:42

The entire book of Ephesians talks about the importance of unity and how the church is the body of Christ. In the human body, even the slightest bit of resistance creates disunity. Every part of the body must be connected to the body to live. If we disconnect from the body, we disconnect from the blood and will die. We must be connected to God and to each other. When you choose to separate yourself from the body of Christ, you separate from him.

Isolation from the family of God is not healthy for us as christians. We need each other.

Separation and isolation are two of the enemy's tactics. No one is an island to himself. Even a banana wouldn't get peeled if it stayed with the bunch.

If the enemy can get us seperated and isolated from our brothers and sisters in Christ, we have no one to help us fight him. If he can get us isolated from those who truly love us, we cannot hear their words of prayer and encouragement. You will know the ones who really care. They will have love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, meekness, goodness, patience,
faith, temperance. The enemy will fill our minds with negatism, etc., self pity, a critical spirit, lack of confidence in others, especially those who care about us the most. We will become weak, without someone to encourage us. The Body of Christ cannot function properly without other members. That's why the wolf wants to get that little sheep away from the flock. But we are not ignorant of his devices, are we!:highfive

Falla39

[Esther]

And I feel like I am not trusting God for some reason. I just don't want friends or church members to supply THIS need. I am sure you all understand. I need it to come from out of nowhere from a GOD SOURCE.

Bella with all due respect why are you wanting to control God's hands in how He responds, by saying you don't want friends and the church to be blessed by helping you?

This reminds me of the man on the roof top praying for God to rescue him. When a boat came by he waved him on because he wanted God to rescue him, then he sent a helicopter and he waved him on because he wanted God to rescue him, and he sent another boat and again he refused. When he drowned he asked God why he didn't answer his prayer. God said I sent two boats and a helicopter and you refused all the help I sent.

We need to let God be God and help you the way He chosed to do so. It is a blessing to help others and God blesses those that do.

Also, in regards to the fleece I think you should do only ONE at a time. Otherwise, you won't know which question is being answered.

JMO

[Bella1]

Bella with all due respect why are you wanting to control God's hands in how He responds, by saying you don't want friends and the church to be blessed by helping you?

This reminds me of the man on the roof top praying for God to rescue him. When a boat came by he waved him on because he wanted God to rescue him, then he sent a helicopter and he waved him on because he wanted God to rescue him, and he sent another boat and again he refused. When he drowned he asked God why he didn't answer his prayer. God said I sent two boats and a helicopter and you refused all the help I sent.

We need to let God be God and help you the way He chosed to do so. It is a blessing to help others and God blesses those that do.

Also, in regards to the fleece I think you should do only ONE at a time. Otherwise, you won't know which question is being answered.

JMO

I guess what I am trying to say is this.....I have not told anyone at the church of my circumstances because of past hurts. IF the Lord was to use a church member to help me, I would not turn it down. In fact, I would be greatful.

I guess I am also wanting to see a miracle of God showing me how he can use others not IN the church. That may not know of my situation even through a conversation.

And I have given this a lot of thought yesterday and today. I don't want to tie God's hands and me not be open to what HE has in store for me. I want His blessing in EVERY part of my life. I also have a habit of when someone ask how I am doing, I say "I am doing wonderful!" I think that even though I have LOTS of down time emotionally when I am alone, when I go out into a public situation, I want to have a positive attitude. No one wants to be around a sad sack. :heeheehee

I thank each of you for your responses. I know that I am going to wait to see what He has in store for me. I know that whatever it is, will be great and wonderful for my son and I.

[rgcraig]

I guess what I am trying to say is this.....I have not told anyone at the church of my circumstances because of past hurts. IF the Lord was to use a church member to help me, I would not turn it down. In fact, I would be greatful.

I guess I am also wanting to see a miracle of God showing me how he can use others not IN the church. That may not know of my situation even through a conversation.

And I have given this a lot of thought yesterday and today. I don't want to tie God's hands and me not be open to what HE has in store for me. I want His blessing in EVERY part of my life. I also have a habit of when someone ask how I am doing, I say "I am doing wonderful!" I think that even though I have LOTS of down time emotionally when I am alone, when I go out into a public situation, I want to have a positive attitude. No one wants to be around a sad sack. :heeheehee

I thank each of you for your responses. I know that I am going to wait to see what He has in store for me. I know that whatever it is, will be great and wonderful for my son and I.

I agree with you Bella.

If it's a God thing, then HE will talk to those around you to supply whatever you need. You don't have to tell them what's going on for God to use them.

[MawMaw]

Hi Bella,
I read your plea very early this morning.
I prayed then and will continue to
pray for you. I'm sure God has a plan
in all of this. I see no harm at all to
lay out a fleece before Him and see what
He will do! :)

[Adam]

How about going to see a counselor or a Christian counselor? At least someone to talk to about your problems. If you have trust issues, they are bound by law to keep it private, unless you are harming children or some other major criminal activity. Prayer is good, but talking to a real live person is great to get feedback. Isolation can be deadly, don't get too isolated. Hope things work out for you.

[Timmy]

How exactly does one lay out a fleece, these days? Same way as in the Bible, or something else?

[Bella1]

Hi Bella,
I read your plea very early this morning.
I prayed then and will continue to
pray for you. I'm sure God has a plan
in all of this. I see no harm at all to
lay out a fleece before Him and see what
He will do! :)

Thank you for your prayers!

[Bella1]

How about going to see a counselor or a Christian counselor? At least someone to talk to about your problems. If you have trust issues, they are bound by law to keep it private, unless you are harming children or some other major criminal activity. Prayer is good, but talking to a real live person is great to get feedback. Isolation can be deadly, don't get too isolated. Hope things work out for you.

I have wanted to go to a counselor, but due to money issue's being a part of my problem, I cannot afford one at this time. But that is on my list to do as soon as my ship comes in. LOL!

[Adam]

How exactly does one lay out a fleece, these days? Same way as in the Bible, or something else?

Well, I've heard that Mary had a little Lamb, and His fleece was White as Snow. :icecream <-- snowcone, yum!

[rgcraig]

August 30, 2011
A Ram is on the Way

Glynnis Whitwer

“So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.’” Genesis 22:14 (NIV)

Have you ever been in a situation so desperate that it looked hopeless?

Have you ever sat at the kitchen table wondering how you were going to pay the electric bill? Have you ever stood at a door that’s been slammed in your face by an angry teenager and despaired at having a relationship with him again? Have you ever had your heart broken so deeply that you wondered if you would feel whole again?

Sadly, we live in a broken world where desperate situations happen every day. I know someone reading this devotion is wondering how she will make it through the day because her situation looks hopeless. If that is you, I encourage you to keep reading. I believe God has a message of hope for you today.

That message is found in the Bible, in the story of a man who was dealing with his own desperate situation. His name was Abraham and he faced the greatest testing of his life. After longing for a son for many years, God finally gave Abraham a boy, whom he named Isaac. Abraham never imagined God would test his faith by asking him to sacrifice his son. But it happened.

It had to have been the darkest day of Abraham’s life as he trudged up the mountain, with firewood strapped to his son’s back. Every step took Abraham closer to what he believed to be the sad ending of a hopeless situation—the death of his son. Yet in spite of his sorrow, Abraham trusted God. His heart wasn’t soaring with joy. He wasn’t dancing up the mountain. But he put one foot in front of the other. Walking through the darkness of the situation; obeying His God’s commands.

Unbeknownst to Abraham, something else was walking up that mountain. Quietly. Out of sight. On the other side of the mountain. Something else was putting one foot in front of the other. Only Abraham couldn’t see it.

For every step Abraham took, a ram on the other side of the mountain took a step.
All Abraham saw that day was his solitary journey of pain. As he got closer to the top of the mountain, his dread must have increased. I wonder if he asked himself any questions. I would have. I would have wondered why hadn’t God intervened? Why hadn’t

God stopped this testing? Couldn’t God see that Abraham was a man of faith? Why test him in this way?

But there was no answer. There was no voice from heaven. And so Abraham kept obeying his God’s command. He put Isaac on an altar and prepared to sacrifice his one and only son.

And just at that very moment, at the very last second, when it looked like the end had come, God spoke, stopping the sacrifice. Abraham looked up and there caught in the thicket was a ram. Abraham took his son off the altar, replaced him with the ram, and offered the sacrifice to God.

Abraham named that place “Yahweh-Yireh” or “The Lord Will Provide.” And the story was written down for generations of God-followers to read. It was written so that you and I today would read it as we face our own hopeless situations. It was captured in print so that you and I would know that God is already planning for our provision. We don’t see it. We don’t hear it. But we can trust that our God is at work. On your behalf, and on mine.

I choose to trust God today. A ram is on the way.

Dear Lord, You know how desperate I am today. You know that my faith has wavered. Although I want to trust You, I’m having trouble doing so. I ask for Your intervention in my situation, and for an increase of my faith while I wait. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


Application Steps:
Read Psalm 91. List the promises God has for those who love Him.

Reflections:
God’s timing is not our timing. What are some reasons God might wait to answer our prayers?

Read the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22. What are some of the things Abraham did right that I can apply to my situation?


Power Verses:

Psalm 91:14, “‘Because he loves me,’ says the LORD, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.’” (NIV)

Psalm 22:5, “They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.” (NIV)

© 2011 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

[Bella1]

Thank you Renda

[rgcraig]

Thank you Renda

You are welcome.

[Timmy]

How exactly does one lay out a fleece, these days? Same way as in the Bible, or something else?

:bumpsign

[Bella1]

Just my opinion, but I was studying this more and I don't think I should be "laying a fleece" before the Lord. I guess I should just be fasting and praying about an answer. AND I guess you could say I am confused about the whole thing now.

All I know, is that the Lord has always taken care of me and I know He will keep doing so....in HIS time.

[mizpeh]

Just my opinion, but I was studying this more and I don't think I should be "laying a fleece" before the Lord. I guess I should just be fasting and praying about an answer. AND I guess you could say I am confused about the whole thing now.

All I know, is that the Lord has always taken care of me and I know He will keep doing so....in HIS time.

When you are going through the stormy time, you can trust and count on certain things about God. God is good, He loves you, and He is in control. I've listened to two messages recently that have really strengthened me during the difficulties and frustrations I've been experiencing lately.

http://www.calvaryabq.tv/live/?ServiceID=960 click on the "message" so you can skip the other stuff if you are short on time.

http://www.royalridgecog.org/sermons/sunday-morning , the message is titled, "Proven."

[Timmy]

How exactly does one lay out a fleece, these days? Same way as in the Bible, or something else?

Anybody?

[RandyWayne]

Anybody?

I was sort of afraid to ask the same question for fear that the answer was obvious to everyone but me.

Are you literally taking a sheepskin and praying in front of it hoping that money will fall from the sky?

[Bella1]

I was sort of afraid to ask the same question for fear that the answer was obvious to everyone but me.

Are you literally taking a sheepskin and praying in front of it hoping that money will fall from the sky?

I think it is "not" literally laying out a sheepskin. It is just that they actually laid one out in the bible to get their answer. I am just assuming. Once again.