God is so real...

He gives strength to the weary  and increases the power of the weak.   Even youths grow tired and weary,  and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;  they will run and not grow weary,  they will walk and not be faint.
~ Isaiah 40:29-31

I was reading the above verses this morning and kept hearing the prayers of the incarcerated young men  last night - asking for strength, asking forgiveness, admitting that they have stumbled and fallen.  Sometimes God's word is literally painted on the canvas of  life in front of you - you see it in person - before your eyes.  God is so real. I will be praying those verses for the youth in prison this week.

We had a group of 20 last night.  The message focused on fearing God,  and having respect for God and others - especially during prayer.  The entire group was different.  More serious.  More respectful.  There was a lot of participation last night.    Rather than a question, we just asked them how they're doing.  Then I went first - I shared with them that our son, Tim, has Crohn's disease and had to see the doctor yesterday.  His news yesterday was not good - he has another infection and the start of a Crohn's flare up. I told them my heart was heavy and that it's hard for a mom to see a child suffer.  Many of them prayed aloud for Tim last night during the prayer circle. God's arms were around me... He was comforting and reassuring me through the boys.

After the last visit, I asked for prayer for Anthony #1.  I described the darkness that I saw in him.  Anthony #1 talked with me last night. He wants Mike and I to come to a family event that they're having on August 28th.  He was reaching out last night, and while we were talking I was able to touch his arm and start to connect.  I looked straight into his eyes and didn't see what I had seen last time.  I saw a flicker of hope.  I saw a young man searching.

One of the guards stayed with us last night.  When we formed the prayer circle, the boys told her to pray with us. They didn't ask, they demanded! She prayed outloud.  Praise God!

Mike and I couldn't find words last night to describe things that had happened.  I am still in that place this morning. 

God is so real... and so powerful...

Thank you deeply for your prayers.

We will return August 19.

Blessings,

Susie


*******************
Prayer Requests:

• Troy - was close to tears last night, but didn't share much.
• That they would each hear the Lord calling their name.
• Facility staff - that they see and hear the Lord in our visits also.

Praises:

• Anthony #1 - He is reaching out for God!
• Anthony #2 - Was very respectful last night!
• Lazaro - went to Bethany and took his first communion last Sunday!