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Even the youths faint and get weary, and the young men utterly fall; but those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:30'31 WEB.

I sat down on a bean bag in the corner of my prayer room and contemplated how we got here. We had been out of work for months while the bills piled up around us, and I couldn't find a job anywhere.

I was too exhausted to pray anymore. I had spent months praying with my face to the carpet, but so far, it had only brought silence. Now we were packing to move out of our home. I felt abandoned by the Lord and alone.

I sat silently that morning, contemplating what to pack and what to do with the rest. When the presence of the Lord suddenly descended, and He gave me an open vision. It was the first I had experienced. I can best describe it as a giant movie screen that appeared before me. It was like a dream, except I was wide awake and still conscious of the room around me.

On the screen, I watched myself climb into a boxi

ng ring and put on the gloves. The camera view was from behind me, and it looked like I was alone. Then the camera panned around to my face, and I could see the Lord behind me. He was standing outside the ring like a coach. He said, "You're not alone, for I am in your corner, and I have prepared you for this day. Now get in there and fight!"

His presence swept into the room, and things changed in me and around me. I came out of that room with renewed hope and complete peace. I told my wife Sylvia that we were going to be ok. I still didn't know how, but I knew that a word from God changes everything.

By the end of the week, I was a pastor. It was a complete career change, as I had been a computer tech. Then a friend suddenly stepped in and paid all of our bills for the month. When all of my strength was gone, the Lord refreshed me. He gave us hope and a future. Those who wait (hope) in the Lord shall renew their strength. The fight isn't over, and you are not out of the game yet. So get back up, and get ready to go another round.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for being there for me. Please cover me with Your presence today. I need You, Lord, more than ever before. I want to walk with You, talk with You, and to know You in a special way. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! We are truly thankful for y'all. Those who participate at the online church, those who support the ministry, those who encourage us, and those who simply read the devotional - you all have a special place in our hearts and we are grateful for each of you. Also, ladies, today is Thankful Thursday at the "Ladies in Distress" group (our RHM women's group)! You are welcome to join in our weekly sharing of thankfulness for the Lord's presence and any blessings you may have experienced, big or small! "Ladies in Distress" is a private group, so if you have any problems joining, just post anywhere and we will help you :). Here is the link: Ladies in Distress

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