We spent 3 days in retreat with the Lord the first part of this month, and it was wonderful. Even when it’s just the two of us at home, we need to go away and be with Him without all the common day-to-day distractions of life. In fact, He told us years ago to go away with Him once a quarter–we got out of the habit when we began to feel it was a luxury more than a necessity and felt guilty for spending the money on it. However, we found out during this time away it is a necessity. We have felt somewhat lost the last six months, continuing to minister as usual while feeling a bit unsettled. We would spend hours asking the Lord why. Finally we scheduled the much-needed time away. Revelation regarding some smaller questions and needs came quickly over the first two days, and then His direction for us came on the third day: “Devote yourselves 100% to the roadside and to the roadside alone. A shift is coming, and I need you out there 5-6 days a week!” Although this was not at all what we expected, immediately a great peace and knowing came over us — this was the Lord and our spirits witnessed to it! We have gone through many emotions–peace, joy, excitement–since we received His word two weeks ago. The hard emotions come as we prepare for tomorrow night’s last gathering of our home group which we have led for over 4 years, since we moved back to Iowa. It’s a bittersweet time of anticipation for the new promise, “Watch what I will do,” and of sorrow as we let go of this major piece of our life which we know will leave a great void. We love these people. This wasn’t a surprise to God, so we know He has plans for each of them and ways unknown to us now to keep us all connected. We are family.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We spent 3 days in retreat with the Lord the first part of this month, and it was wonderful. Even when it’s just the two of us at home, we need to go away and be with Him without all the common day-to-day distractions of life. In fact, He told us years ago to go … Continue reading The Necessity of Retreat<\/span>