Strengthen Your Brethren

Well...here I am...my very own blog. I seem to feel a need to explain myself and what I'm doing here. Don't we all feel like this from time to time? Anyway, here goes.

Many years ago (more than I would care to admit to) I sat down to read my bible. I had been reading it, front to back, for some time and found myself coming to the end of the gospel of Luke. I started to read about Peter's denial of Jesus, and found these words:

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned, strengthen your brethren." Luke 22:31-21 RSV

It is impossible for me to describe the impact these words had on me. It was as if the passage had read "Linda, Linda, behold......." I was suddenly aware of the Lord's presence in the room and became aware that He was using this passage to communicate with me. I had more questions than I have room here to elaborate on. However, I did know the Lord was telling He had something for me to do, but I didn't know exactly what.

I spent a lot of time praying about this verse and wondering what it all might mean. I also prayed a lot about how I might "strengthen my brethren". As time went by, I tried many different things that I hoped might fulfill His command. Some worked out well, some did not, but I never really felt like I was on the right track.

More time went by, life happened and I put the verse on the back burner. I never really forgot it, but I got frustrated with not being able to learn what the Lord wanted me to do. I resolved that leading my life trying to do His will as best I can was His will for me. This is basically His will for all of us.

For the past few weeks, the verse has come to the "front burner" so to speak, and I've found myself thinking about it and praying about it. I feel like I'm still pretty clueless, but slowly the thought of a blog has come to mind. So...here I am with my very own blog hoping to share whatever I feel the Lord has shared with me. It is my prayer that the words you find here will be of some value to you and will act as a vehicle that will bring you closer to the Lord.

Many blessings, L