Author: Cathleen Rafalko (Cat) NJ
Believers love the promises of God! There are thousands of them in the Bible. A Bible promise is a divine guarantee, rooted in God’s unchanging and faithful character. God’s promises are a binding declaration for a future hope. They are powerful and reliable.
In thinking and meditating on praise and promises, thru this fast, I thought of the emotional Psalm 61, by King David. Eight short verses packed with cries, confidence and promises.
If possible, please open your Bible to Psalm 61…..
PS 61:2-3 {ESV} always hit me hard with love and encouragement. ….from the end of the earth, I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I, for YOU have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. We are privileged to be able to cry out to the Highest Rock
Can you sense spiritual loneliness in King David’s heart?
Spiritual loneliness has been a huge hurdle for me, over these almost three decades in marriage. Can anyone identify?
Some intentional actions that help me overcome loneliness include, connecting with other godly women, and praying with our community prayer team, weekly. I have a few different text threads with some Christian work friends, that I can reach out to as well. God created a dependable and compassionate network for me, to be able to lean on, when looking for direction and encouragement.
I have visited different churches in my community for years. I was a member for 20 yrs, at one church. I never felt like I fit in. I found a few online churches that I love to watch, yet I felt ABBA calling me to be present, with other believers. Specifically, to hear the truth, receive the Lord’s Supper, while worshiping and praising HIM together ~ with like minded Jesus Followers.
I was introduced to Budd Lake Chapel (NJ) a few years ago. I started to attend BLC’s ladies bible study, in hope of connecting with the women. The study is led by Bev (80 yrs old) who has been a Believer since she was eight years old. I was attracted to the way Bev led the study. I noticed the amount of work she put into the weekly handouts and class discussions. Bev truly knows her Bible and has memorized many verses. We sing famous classic hymns and pray before and after each study. There is a bible study prayer thread, for the women in the study and we are limited to study member only, prayer requests (which I really appreciate!). Feeling a connection with these women, I started to attend BLC a few times a month. One of my biggest hurdles when visiting a church is, where and who will I sit with! Can anyone relate?
Bev texts me early, most Sunday mornings and assures me, she will save the seat next to her, if I plan to attend. One Sunday, I arrived and didn’t see her. So, I sat in the pew in front of where she usually sits. Bev quietly slipped into her pew and tapped me on the shoulder. She motioned me to sit next to her, with her huge smiling blue eyes. 
Abba uses Bev to show me HIS personal love for me and to point me to Jesus. Bev’s loving actions, remind me, ABBA is always saving the seat next to HIM, just for us.
Let’s believe together for huge breakthroughs during this fast. May GOD continue to knit our hearts together, to love our husbands well and to be the good and faithful servants, He created us to be.
Grieve the losses. Feel the Pain. Then wash your face, trust GOD and embrace the life that He’s given you . ~ Dr. John Piper
Author: Cathleen Rafalko; I’ve been a Jesus Follower for a long time. I have followed the SUM pages for 14+ years. Mark and I are parents to twin boys (20 yrs old) and Kailee is 22. I’ve been traveling as a Flight Attendant for decades, with United Airlines, based in NYC airports. I have been a member of FCAP (Fellowship of Christian Airline Personnel) for many years. Faith at work is very important to me. I carry tracts around the planet and leave/give as I feel led by the Holy Spirit.
I especially love women’s Bible studies, hiking around the planet and cooking creative meals for my family. With Love and Friendship, Cathleen (Cat) Rafalko in NJ USA
~ For I, says the Lord, will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst ~ Zec 2:5
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