Praying in power to equip us for unexpected news....

     As I began to have a time of private prayer in my office this week, I was reminded of the scripture that says, "It is written: As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God."  Romans 14:11. 
     At that point, even with knees that are a bit more sore than in prior years, I knelt on a small rug in the office and began to pray.  I don't know why it surprised me because if you ask to meet with God, why wouldn't the Holy Spirit respond?  An amazing feeling fell over me as I began to pray and place all my offerings of praise and petitions before the throne of grace and mercy.  It was a sacred anointing of peace, power and encouragement as I continued to talk with the Lord, tears filling my eyes.  Included in that alone time with Jesus, I prayed that if it were in accordance with His Will I would be able to move my mother into another facility that allows hospice to enter.  
     The current facility my mother has been a resident for the past two years has shut out all family and outsiders including the hospice medical staff due to COVID.  Since I haven't been able to be in the same room with mom since February and her health is declining, I have received approval for mom to be in hospice.  I have now found a new facility that allows hospice into their facility and was on the schedule to move her this coming weekend.
     Little did I know or realize the Lord met with me to strengthen my resolve for coming information and prayer requests I would receive throughout the remainder of the day, including my request for wisdom regarding my mother's move to another facility.  Dire needs were shared with me in confidence and I was privileged to pray over each one.  However, one of the calls I received delivered the news a worker at mom's current facility tested positive for COVID.  Although this individual is asymptomatic, the facility now needs to undergo testing and the chances of moving mom are becoming slim, at least for now.
     I felt crushed to receive this news, but wondered if perhaps this isn't the right time to move my mother.  Would I have done more harm than good?  Wouldn't her involvement with a hospice staff the best option?  Oh, the questions that swirl around in my mind daily since mom's care has been placed upon these small, ill equipped shoulders with brothers that are readily supportive of my decisions.
     I picked up the Jesus Calling devotional later that day and read the entry for August 23.  I am a few days behind, but really not behind at all since the words of this particular devotional eased my heart and spoke so clearly to me.  I share them with you because maybe you are going through something similar today. 
     May the God of the Universe shower peace within your heart as you read a part of this devotional:

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     Entrust your loved ones to me; release them into My protective care.  They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands.  If you let a loved one become an idol in your heart, you endanger that one--as well as yourself.
     When you release loved ones to Me, you are free to cling to My hand.  As you entrust others into My care, I am free to shower blessings on them.  My Presence will go with them wherever they go, and I will give them rest.  This same Presence stays with you as you relax and place your trust in Me.  Watch to see what I will do.  Jesus Calling, August 23

"Call unto me and I will answer thee and shew thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not."  Jeremiah 33:3 KJV

The picture above of my mom was taken several years ago...she is such a beautiful child of God.