I have been reflecting afresh on the struggle we experience getting into a place of abiding with the Lord in the first place, and staying there once we have glimpsed it. Despite the fact that it is our greatest joy and safety, I am constantly aware of the difficulty of staying there myself, and I hear that others experience the same battle.

A friend and ministry colleague of mine, Michael Brown, and I have been discussing a group we are planning to start in April. Michael and his wife Torie have been involved with this ministry for the last several years and the idea of a group we are calling "One Accord" has emerged from our association. Michael is gifted prophetically, frequently bringing very incisive words that cut through much complexity and help us locate our heart condition so we can bring it to the Lord for healing and reconciling. I have gathered a rather extensive storehouse that relates to the causes for separation from the Lord and how to interrupt and clear them. We will combine these giftings in order to establish a forum where people can come to deepen their relationship with the Lord, experience whatever healing is needed, clarify their calling, and be empowered to walk in it with Him.

Because everything about this venture needs prayer covering, I wrote to a number of people asking them to hold it in prayer. In the responses to that message I discovered that a number of people who once were in a strong position with the Lord had gotten dislodged and were not in a condition to pray very fervently until they were gathered up and reconnected themselves. This is the story of our lives in the Lord, I suppose, but it saddened me uniquely this time, and I began to pray about that phenomenon of "here today, gone tomorrow," asking the Lord very pointedly about it. What follows is what I wrote in my journal during that prayer time. It was helpful to me, and I find that it has clarified the struggle for me considerably. I hope you find it encouraging and strengthening as well.

Love in Jesus,

Suzan