“Inflated and About to Pop” by Donna Jackson
Inflated and About to Pop
Do you remember the last time you were so inflated with things to tell that if you backed into a pin you’d pop and go flying around the room? That’s exactly how I feel, so get ready to twirl that head of yours as you watch all of God’s goodness go whirling past. I think I just felt a pinprick!
On January 3rd our church family began 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Although my husband Ron and I knew the power of combining these two disciplines for a day or two, we’ve been totally swept away by a tsunami of effects overwhelming us during the entire month of January. (Oh, just in case you are wondering, the nothing-but-water fast was only for a few days, and then we went to the Daniel Fast. No heroics here!) Participating as a group in something like this weaves a cord of unity through its members all the while God, with a happy grin, slowly pulls that cord tighter with each new day. After participating in this season of prayer and fasting, we will never be the same. Here are just a few reasons why:
Even the smallest requests related to our family were sweetly answered.
Health issues improved for several family members.
I unexpectedly reconnected with three old friends. Well … two are old and one is young. They provided a wealth of insight for my new book – something I had earnestly prayed for.
I was invited to an inter-denominational Bible study that has been meeting just a few miles from my house. Who knew? Blessings on top of blessings rain on me from this group of women who keep Jesus the matter of first importance! They provide another huge opportunity for the Spirit to show me what to include in this new book that’s about to burst out of me.
I was blessed to meet leaders from a variety of churches all over our county. Most of them just happened to be at just the right place at just the right time.
Just recently, I met a lady in our jail Bible study that was a delight to talk to. She had just arrived the day before and was scheduled to leave before we returned. I had one shot to plant a seed of hope. I soon realized this was a divine appointment. She was going home to the very city where a new campus of our church would be launched the following Sunday. (We rarely meet women in the jail who live in this city.) The new church would be meeting in the very same high school where her oldest child attends. She thought it sounded perfect for her and all of her children. (Sisters, that ain’t no coincidence!)
It also might have been divinely arranged for me to meet a 16-year-old runaway in the lobby of the police station. We only had about 2 minutes, but that was long enough for her to tell me that her father had threatened to kill her the night before and her baby was still at his house. All I had time for was a moment of tender eye contact, a hand-squeeze, and a promise to pray for her. You pray for her too. God will know who you’re talking about.
Then, there are the blessings on all the men of my family. New adventures. New undertakings. New opportunities. Even new baby cows!!
Now I feel a little like Paul must have felt. I don’t tell you all these things to impress you with my family or me. Believe me, we HAVE our issues!! What I do want to impress you with is the power of the Almighty God. The One who is good, and just, and mighty, and awesome! After a month like January, I know full well that those whose hope is in the Lord will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint. Even when trouble comes, and it will come, I know my hope and my delight is in the Lord. He is faithful and just. His mercies are new EVERY morning. His grace covers all my MANY sins – yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Are you getting dizzy yet?
Jesus is my ever-present help in time of trouble. He is my rescuer and my redeemer. There is no name that is greater and no one higher. He is. He was. He always will be. He forgives my past. He walks with me in the present, and He holds my future in His hands. His Spirit teaches me what I need to know. His is the name to which every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. Nothing can separate me from His love.
I guess I’ve whirled all around the room by now. So, all that’s left to say is …
JESUS IS ENOUGH!
Amen
Donna Jackson worships with Church of the Highlands in Huntsville, Alabama, but enjoys her coffee and home in the picturesque community of Grant. She and Ron, her husband of 36 years, have two married children and four grandchildren who absolutely delight their days. However, nothing thrills Donna’s heart more than to watch the Spirit do His thing through her writing and speaking. She gives God all the credit for helping her write:
Temple Sweepers: Motivation for a Healthy Body and Soul,
Come Saturday Morning: Thoughts from Perfection Road, and
Everyday Heroes: Old, New, and Even You.
Donna would love to connect with you through her blog Perfection Road at http://www.perfectionroad.com.
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