Faithful Friends

The last two days have been extremely difficult for me. Somehow I've allowed past hurts to rise to the surface and situations I thought were dealt with have come back temporarily to haunt me. Numerous other circumstances pertaining to my health and employment have caused me to slowly sink into that terrible pit called depression.

For two years I was taking anti-depressants to help me deal with the panic attacks that would buffet me with such fierce intensity. About a month ago, with my doctor's supervision, I finally went off my medication and the last few weeks have been like a scary roller coaster ride as my body and mind have been adjusting to the "new me".

Today things were spiralling downward until I met with two Christian brothers and talked through some of the issues I'm dealing with. Following our time of prayer two of us walked for quite a distance and the fresh air and exercise helped to clear my mind of the negative thoughts had been so pervasive earlier.

Arriving at my office I checked the mail and found a card and a donation from a couple who have been such faithful supporters of the Epistle ministry for many, many years. What a blessing these dear people have been to me! Eternity will reveal the part that their stewardship and friendship had in the eternal perspective of things.

This precious couple always include a hand-written note with their gift and I'm blessed when I read the scriptures that they refer to. Today was no exception. I scanned the card (both front and back) for you to see. I know they won't mind. The verses from Isaiah were meant for me today! God has ministered to my spirit time and time again through this passage but perhaps never more so than He did today.

Here are those verses:

"But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life." - Isaiah 43:1-4 (NIV)

Father, thank you for faithful friends who come alongside us on our journey. Bless these dear friends who sent along this card and the encouraging note. Meet their every need today! Thank you for never forsaking us and for walking with us when danger lurks on every side. You will lead us through the trials into Your triumph. AMEN!