Many people I know feel they are at their breaking point.
Something has to change. Something has to give. Many are tired. Tired of the same routine. Tired of the same diagnosis. Tired of the same struggle.
And the clock continues to tick. The bill is due. The symptoms are getting worse.
Too much time is being lost. Something must change...It’s the 11th hour....
Have you been there? Are you there now?
Many people in Ukraine might feel they are at this point. Their country is under siege. Their cities are being surrounded. Can something change? Will help come?
Through many years of following Jesus, I’ve realized that God often waits until the 11th hour to act.
He likes to stretch us, root us in Him, test our resolve and our faith, and do something with our character while we are waiting.
But, at the last moment, He gets up. He opens doors. Parts seas. Makes a way. He heals. He restores sanity. He gives courage. He speaks.
He might not do what we think He will do or move in the way we think He should…but He does move and work and often later we realize why His timing made sense and His movement before us, behind us, around us, and in us was masterful.
I’ve found that in the 11th hour, when I’m stretched the thinnest, when my patience is lowest and fatigue is highest, is also when God calls me to do the biggest of things for Him and trust Him and He helps…because I can’t do it without Him. These 11th hours can be our greatest times of ministry to others.
Are you in the 11th hour? Do you need something to move? To change?
You might say... Holly, I'm past the 11th hour. It's over. I missed the chance. The change didn't come. Well, I have encouragement for you too. Sometimes God even waits until AFTER the 11th hour. When midnight comes and goes...and it's very dark. The diagnosis is given and it's final. The tomb has been shut. But what we learn from the Bible is God is not bound by time. Sometimes He moves even AFTER the 11th hour. He healed the girl already dead. He raised Lazarus from the grave!
If you are in an 11th hour or beyond, don’t give up! God is for you and with you! He can still move. He can still act. He hasn't let you go or forgotten you!!!!
God promises He is working all together for our good! Do you believe this? Do you trust Him?
Your breakthrough can still come... until then- rest in the strong arms of God!
Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand…Isaiah 41:10
I am with you always, even to the end… Matthew 28:20
Nothing can separate us from the love of God…Romans 8: 38-39
He is working all together for the good of those who love Him…Romans 8:28
My thoughts are not your thoughts nor are my ways your ways…Isaiah 55:8
He will not fear
bad news…His heart is steadfast trusting the Lord…Psalm 112:7
If God is for us, who can be against us?….Romans 8:31
I, the Lord, do not sleep or slumber…Psalm 121:1
Nothing is impossible with God ... Luke 1:37
May we continue to trust Him through all that comes.
May we praise God in the 1st hour and the 11th hour. May we praise Him even when it looks over and it hasn't worked out the way we think it should.
Why? God is worthy of our trust. He is faithful. And He is the Author and Finisher of our life stories!
Let Him show you what He is able to do ... no matter what the hour shows!
Praises- Prayer Requests…
-It’s been a busy time of transition for me back in Ethiopia. I’m very grateful for life here and new work here with the EvaSUE team. Please keep this continued transition in prayer and that God will show me how I can best contribute! EvaSUE works on over 100 public and private colleges and university campuses all over Ethiopia with over 50,000 students participating. EvaSUE equips students in discipleship, missions, and leadership. They want to advance the kingdom of God by serving students. So humbled to join their work!
Here is their website if you want to read more about them: https://www.evasue.net/
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| October EvaSUE Leadership Conference this past year |
-Please pray for my work permit and residence visa as those continue to process. Last week, this process required me to travel. Despite many trips to immigration and other offices, I was told the only way to begin a new work permit was to do this step. So I traveled to Kenya and came back the next day. I'm thankful for God's hand of protection in this. Now I need paperwork to come quickly from Washington so my new permit and visa can be cleared. So please again keep that in prayer.
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| Kenya... quick trip in and out... |
-Pray for ETC- I am giving one class this semester.… Cross Cultural Communication. This is a key class for missions and is strategic for churches today. Pray God speaks through me and that God blesses this time and these church leaders.
-Please keep my USA family in prayer. Health for them and
protection, provision in life and ministry, they are greatly loved. I’m so inspired by their continued examples
of faith and perseverance. Dad and Mom (Jim and Rosie), Noel and Mike! May God bless them!
-Please keep Ethiopia in prayer in the time ahead- that
peace will continue. Things seem quiet.
-Let us remember the people of Ukraine. What a crazy time for them and life shattering. May the good news be shared there and hope given! Many people there feel in the 11th hour ... as cities are being surrounded...there is fear. For some, it's already midnight and past that. May you give breakthrough God! Show up big for the people there! May your gospel be shared all over this area!
-The Orthodox fasting time has started here in preparation for Easter. As many around the world fast or participate in Lent... may God speak to us as we humble ourselves and repent and remember the great sacrifice made! May we be willing to go down any road God calls us to.
Please let me know how I can pray for you. I appreciate each of you so much!
Blessings to each of you this spring season.
With Gratitude from Ethiopia
