When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought,
“Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”
Genesis 28:16 NIV
Friends, I have to tell you about the great time I had last night. Amy and I went to South Carolina to hear Carol Kent speak. If you’ve never heard her or her story you are missing out! She was an incredible speaker and had a powerful testimony.
To our excitement, we got to meet up with some of our blogging buddies. In the picture above from left to right, you’ll see Janet Roller from Living Oak Ministries, Kimberly from A Planting of the Lord, ME from sheep to the right, and Amy from Signs, Miracles, and Wonders. We had such a fun time in fellowship with each other. We had dinner and then moved to the worship center to hear Carol Kent speak. We were a little behind in getting in there to get a seat because we were so busy chit-chatting. But guess what? Our God is so good. He had saved us a spot on the FRONT row RIGHT in the center!
Carol shared a verse last night that really spoke to me. It was When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” Genesis 28:16 NIV I knew the Lord was speaking to me, because this was the second time in one day I had gotten that same idea.
I’m reading now in 2 Kings. Yesterday in my quiet time, I read the story of Elisha and the Arameans. The king of Aram was at war with Israel. This king set out to ambush the king of Israel. Elisha was a prophet. He warned the king of Israel about where the king of Aram was camped so Israel would not be taken captive. This really angered the king of Aram, and he sent horses and chariots and a strong force to capture Elisha. (2 Kings 6:14 NIV)
When Elisha’s servant got up the next morning, he walked out and saw the soldiers and chariots surrounding the city. “Oh my Lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked? “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 2 Kings 6:15-16 NIV
Elisha prayed that God would open his servant’s eyes. Then the Lord opened the servants eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around. 2 Kings 6:17 NIV
I’m thinking I would be doing the happy dance about now! WOW! Can you imagine the goosebumps this servant probably got when he saw Gods’ army. Friends there ‘aint NO army like God’s army!
If you read on to 2 Kings 7, you’ll read about how the Arameans abandoned their entire camp which, in turn, lifted the siege on the Israelites and provided food for them. For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses and a great army…so they got up and fled. 2 Kings 7:6-7 NIV
Twice in one day, God showed me how often He is here, and I am not aware of it. It left me to wonder. How many times was I saved from harm unaware of the soldier of the Lord standing behind me? How amazing! How empowering!
I need not fear. Whether I see Him or not, the Lord is with me. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. Psalm 27:3 NIV This doesn’t mean I’m going to walk in a dark alley at night openly twirling my purse on my arm. But it does mean that I won’t let fear have a stronghold on me.
What are you afraid of today? Whatever it is, you can face it because the Lord goes with you. Can you feel the chariots of fire surround you with the protection only the Lord can bring?
Lord, open my eyes to see the unseen. Give me a glimpse Lord of your mighty hand of protection. You are my fortress, Lord. In you, I will not fear. You are my rock and my strength. I pray the words of Samuel 22:3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior. Amen.
The two Carols!
View from the FRONT row!
P.S. If you haven’t already left a comment on the Happy 100 post, be sure to do so. The contest is open until Thursday!
Sounds like a wonderful time.
Some time ago, I heard Carol share her story on 100 Huntley St. and got her book, A New Kind of Normal. I sent her an email and her mother responded with such thoughtfulness, I was touched.
Was this a writing conference? Anyway, be blessed.
Love, Sita
Great post!!! 🙂
Hi!
Thanks for the pictures! The batteries were dead in my camera! 🙂
This is such a great post! What comfort there is in knowing that we are never alone!
I had such a great time last night! Thanks for making me feel so welcome! 🙂
Lots of love,
K
Whew….
That is a good word!
I LOVE this and the pictures are great!!! It’s always good to see some blogging sisters up close and personal!!!
steph.
Okay, first I’m lovin’ the picture of ya’ll. What a great time!!
Second- I love that verse!
What a FUN time together, I’m jealous! Thanks for the encouraging word as well, what an incredible passage!
Blessings,
Amanda
Carol-
What a sweet night. Thanks for the pictures.
Great post. I am excited about exploring and experiencing the “unseen things”. There are so many things we don’t even know we don’t know! God is good.
-Janet
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!
Hope you have had an extra special day you extra special lady!!! 🙂
Lots of love,
K
Thanks for the sweet comments! The funny thing is we do have Tivo. I just never use it because it is on our upstairs tv! What a waste, huh?
Carol,
Thank you so much for your sweet comment on my blog. I saw your picture on one of my favorite blogs– Kimberly from Planting of the Lord & read her post about the conference. Sounds like you all had an awesome time of fellowship. I love nights like that!
I will definitely be back to read more. Your blog is SO inviting!
Blessings,
Lelia