Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs
Through the weekly and daily devotionals you can be constantly encouraged in your great role of parenting, the highest career in the nation. You can also stay updated on what's happening with the Above Rubies ministry.
CALLED TO THE FOURTH WATCH, Part 1
I received information that intimated our son is dying. My heart’s cry is, “Lord what do you want me to do?” The situation is made difficult, but not hopeless, because he has not seen or spoken to us for over a year. All attempts at communication have so far failed. Phone calls, emails, text messages even an unexpected visit from us, though accepted at that moment didn’t overflow to further communication. So how can we reach our son at his time of great need?God began to work in my heart. I felt impressed to keep the FOURTH WATCH for him from 3.00 am to 6.00 am each morning. I wondered why the Lord called me to this fourth watch. This was the time when Jesus walked on the water. What was Jesus doing out there surfing in the early hours of the morning when it was still dark? In the middle of nowhere with no-one to see Him it would seem. Surely by His own confession:
“I do nothing of myself,” Jesus said in John 8:28.
“I always do the things that please Him (speaking of His Father) (John 8:29).
“The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do” (John 5:19).
When did Jesus walk on water? Perhaps I was looking at the wrong aspect. The fact He was there when His disciples were seems more to the point. Because it was the Father’s will to comfort those who found themselves in difficult situations, unable to see the light, or have enough strength of their own to overcome.
He would have passed them by, but they cried out. The fourth watch are the final hours of darkness before the light penetrates. It is the time of God’s awesome glory displayed as the new day dawns and the sun rises. Each sunrise is different. Each day is loaded with benefits. His mercies are new each morning. How my heart sings with praise, hope, and love.
One morning as I rose to keep watch both feet slipped out beneath me at the same time. With Bible, pen, and glasses etc. in my hands I fell heavily, banging my head on the bench corner and falling on my elbow, hip, and back.
Unbeknown to me Cyclone Alfred had caused a leak which had pooled in my path and because it was dark through the power cut, I had no warning. As I lay there, I remembered something in Daniel which I had read recently about standing on your feet, although it was a while before I got to it. Praise God, nothing was broken, and I had no pain, just a sore head, elbow, and hip. Our grandson came and helped me stand on my feet.
I personalised Daniel 10:10. He said to me: “Val, you are a woman treasured by God. Understand the words that I’m saying to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you. After he said this, I stood trembling” (well, I was shaken by the fall)!
“Don’t be afraid, Val,” He said to me “For from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard.”
God continued to give me revelation. One night I had a dream. A man knocked on my door and asked to see the man of the house. I told him he was no longer there. In fact, he had died. He appeared dejected so I asked him why he wanted to see him. “Well, when I was a little boy feeling very forlorn one day, this man picked me up, held me close, and whispered in my ear; “When you grow up and need a job come and see me.” So, I have come to see about that job.
I asked him what his name was, and he said Michael. “Well Michael,” I told him. “I have a job for you. I want you to go and see my son Brett and when you get through to him, tell him that God and we, his parents, love him and want to help him.”
Upon waking and meditating on the dream, I asked the Lord what it meant. I had this tingly feeling that it sounded much like this same story in Daniel. Michael, a messenger had come to help me. I had been asking Father God for a messenger to get through to our son Brett, that he be not hindered by lies or walls etc., or stopped by any authority that is not Yahweh’s. I prayed that the messenger would bring Brett truth, healing, life, joy, hope, love, and forgiveness. I feel the messenger is an angelic being.
I looked up the meaning of the name Michael. In Hebrew it means “Who is like God.” This dream was like a visit from Father God Himself.
At this time nothing has changed regarding the situation that I know of, but I have changed. There is no fear. No regret. No sense of hopelessness. I am encouraged by Jesus’ words in John 5:17: “My Father is working, and I (Yeshua) am working also.” And I am also a co-worker in Christ!
I laboured and gave birth to my son once. I travail and labour in birth for him now. Claiming Galatians 4:19 I labour until Christ be fully formed in my son.
VAL STARES,
Gold Coast, QLD Australia
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Val is the Director of Above Rubies in Australia and has been working with me in this ministry since I began in September 1977 in New Zealand, nearly 48 years ago. I call her Valiant, Victorious Val! I can’t imagine how many crowns she is going to receive for her faithful service.
Val and her husband Bill are now waiting for their 36th GREAT grandchild. Isn’t that wonderful? Val says: “How great is my God! God is giving us another treasure. How I love Him and every precious soul. I am a builder A builder of the nation!” Part 2 comes tomorrow.
Picture: Val and Bill with some of the 36 greatgrandchildren.
