The truth about my future

"The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word, I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. You will live in Joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands! Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where briers grew, myrtles will sprout up. This miracle will bring great honor to the Lord's name; it will be an everlasting sign of his power and love." Isaiah 55:10 - 13

This passage is the deposit agreement that goes along with the image of the holy ATM from yesterday. I love this promise God says through Isaiah, "I send [my word] out, and it always produces fruit." Over the past several years I've learned that when I don't know how to pray, it's always a good choice to pray God's promises back to Him. That's where the peace comes from, that's where the assurance is that I'm praying in His will.

Over the past 2 1/2 years I've gone through a separation, difficult divorce, 4 moves, a flood in our apartment, the sudden illness and death of a close friend, helping my mother recover after a traumatic injury, loneliness, major work stress and raising a teenager. I will stand on this truth - if I didn't have a real relationship with Jesus - I'd be crazy now. Bug-eyed insane. And the main thing that has kept me focused and positive, is praying God's promises.

Even when I don't know why, when, how - I cling to scripture like a drowning person clings to a life preserver thrown their way. And ". . . it always produces fruit."

Here's one I repeat over and over in my head . . .

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

This week, my daughter and I celebrate our first anniversary in our new, happy, home.