Oh My little ones, hold tightly to My hand and never let go. Though
darkness lay up ahead and though calamity strike all about you, yet I am
still here with you and I ever shall be. I am mindful of the pressures
that bear down upon you-and mindful of the trials and temptations that
beset you. Nothing escapes My notice, and nothing slips through
unbeknownst to Me. NO-for I am watching over you-but even more than
this-I am actively involved in every aspect of your life. I am never
merely a spectator on the sidelines, but rather I am always working on
your behalf, engineering circumstances and intervening and orchestrating
situations in accordance with My will and purpose for you. Never view
Me as a disinterested party-for I am He Who created you and chose you
before the foundation of the world. Remember that My Word says, "For we
are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God
prepared beforehand that we should walk in them," and again, "In Him
also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according
to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will."

Nothing is for naught, and no moment is without significance-for
indeed, each moment is pregnant with purpose as you walk with Me-waiting
upon Me for guidance and instruction-listening for My voice and
counsel-reading and meditating upon My Word and conforming to it more
and more, day to day. Realize too, that there is a purpose for all that
I allow, and as you yield to Me and allow Me a free hand in all I do, I
will utilize any and every circumstance of your life to grow you up and
mature you in the faith. Your individual growth and maturity-health and
well being, is more important to Me than that of a natural parent for
their child-and My depth of caring and concern would cause that of the
most loving parents to pale in comparison. I love you beyond your
ability and capacity to comprehend-and truly all that I do is in
love-love that is eternal and fervent.

Will you trust Me with all that confuses and puzzles you? Trust Me
with all that frightens and perplexes you? Just as an earthly child
would reach out and take the hand of their loving parent, and walk
alongside of them, taking no thought of what lay up ahead, but simply
resting in the knowledge that all is well, and secure in the knowledge
that they are loved and cared for-just so I would have you do with Me!
"And God's peace [be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its
salvation through Christ and so fearing nothing from God and content
with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which
transcends all understanding, shall garrison and mount guard over your
hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

These words are brought to you by:
Terri Ward
watchman@ioa.com