God is in Control!

When tragedy strikes, we wonder why.  There is no answer.  At least neither one that would satisfy us.  But we must never forget that God continues to be in control!  He is sovereign and even though it makes no sense to us, it  makes total sense to Him.  He has not changed!   He does ALL things well!  And through the most difficult of circumstances His promise remains true.  He will be with us always!  To the families of the terrible tragedy that happened in Alberta yesterday....hearts are broken across NL and yes even across Canada.  We cannot begin to fathom the deep deep sorrow that you are feeling.  But we will lift you up in prayer.  When you cannot find the words know that you are covered in prayer and prayer will carry you through.

Rethinking prayer in our lives.

Often people think of prayer as just another something to add to an already busy day.  What if we were to evaluate our activities for one full day.  Would there be things in that day that if not done wouldn't make a difference?  What about the idle moments that are wasted?  While having your daily quiet time with God is of utmost importace, it is also important for us to realize that praying is an attitude of our hearts.  The Bible says "pray without ceasing".  Does that mean we must be in a kneeling position with hands folded at all times?  If that be the case, there wouldn't be a whole lot of praying happening, would there?  Challenge yourself today that you will evaluate your day and see where you could have put one thing aside and devoted that few minutes to praying.  Also be aware that praying can take on many forms from spending intentional time talking to God daily to those prayers that are prayed throughout our busy days.  God is with us always and His ear is forever bent listening for us to talk to Him.  Try it!  You'll be blessed as you feel your relationship with God getting stronger.  So let's take on the challenge!  Make prayer a daily discipline in your life and see what God will do!  You'll be amazed!!

Are you a risk taker?

Esther was a risk taker.  Living for Jesus often requires us to take risks.  Doing things that we've never done before.  But what an awesome rewarding experience when we take that step of faith and realize that God is with us.  Esther took a big risk of being rejected by the king and subjecting herself to possible death.  But she loved her people so much that she was willing to do just that. 

What a wonderful day yesterday to spend with the ladies from Presbyterys 5 and 6.  Glovertown women did an amazing job with hosting this Spring Retreat.  Pastor Sheila Purchase once again done a great job in organizing and carrying out the day.  Pastor Mary challenged us to move forward as we respond with Here am I...Send Me! 

Thank you ladies for praying and I ask you to continue to pray for the upcoming day retreats in your area.  I believe we are on the brink of something big among the women of NL.  Keep on praying and believing!!

Why "Esther's Heart" for the title of my blog?

Esther was just a very young Jewish girl who was orphaned and lived with her Uncle, Mordecai. As the story unfolds, we see a strong young woman who was willing to stand in the gap so that her people would be spared. We too, are called to "stand in the gap" and intercede for the needs of those around us. May we, like Queen Esther, make ourselves ready and willing "for such a time as this". 

Because of one little jewish girl, an entire nation was saved from destruction. Could it be that our intercession will save someone? And because of that one, save our community? our province? our country? I believe we as women of God are called to bridge the gap for the needs that are presented to us. My hope and prayer for this blog is that it would be a channel through which requests can be shared and encouragment received as we watch God answer.  

Please continue to send your requests to my email at sandrajunenoble@gmail.com. We will continue to build our prayer team across this island.