Jul 27, 2015
Trying to describe standing in the middle of a small roundabout. I am feeling the intimidating force of the vehicles as they keep moving all about me. There is no break in traffic to allow the possibility of navigating through or beyond where I am. I am required to just stand there.
As I am describing this feeling, Michael, my husband, responds with the word 'vortex.'
I said 'yes!' Yet neither of us really quite understood. Pondering on the concept of vortex I felt the Lord say, 'I am the vortex.'
Many of those we love are experiencing very challenging times. Some are battling spiritually, for others it is physical and emotional. It is huge, threatening circumstances for others.
We have a responsibility to share the burden of others.
The Bible tells us to pray always. While these burdens are not to overwhelm us they do require us to constantly stand and Wait, patiently and attentively.
Then I looked up the definition of vortex: a mass of spinning air, liquid, etc., that pulls things into its center
1 : something that resembles a whirlpool <the hellish vortex of battle >
2 a : a mass of fluid (as a liquid) with a whirling or circular motion that tends to form a cavity or vacuum in the center of the circle and to draw toward this cavity or vacuum bodies subject to its action; especially : whirlpool, eddy
b : a region within a body of fluid in which the fluid elements have an angular velocity
Then I looked up the definition of Velocity:
1 a : quickness of motion : speed
b : rapidity of movement
c : speed imparted to something
2 : the rate of change of position along a straight line with respect to time : the derivative of position with respect to time
3 a : rate of occurrence or action : rapidity
b : rate of turnover
God is all around us and knows each situation well. Nothing is out of His sight or out of His control. John Kilpatrick says, 'Everything is Father filtered!'
Recently I've often returned to the thought of abiding in Him. Abiding is a great concept, even if standing in a vortex is not the most comfortable place to be abiding. When we are challenged with ferocity of the velocity we can trust Him.
He draws us and stays with us. It doesn't matter how out of control it seems. When it is a hellish battle He is the safe place. Much like the eye of a tornado which can be quite peaceful, He will be the center. When we don't know where or when to go or what to do we can just hang there. Stay focused on Him and let Him be the center.
He helps us stand in the midst of the commotion, the timings, shiftings, the pain, and the changing of positions. He holds us steady all the time and every time. He knows when we need to be still and when it is safe to move. When action on our part is needed, or required He makes the way. He is the best guide to take us straight through.
In Midwestern Illinois we need a physical shelter to go to during a storm. In this sheltered place It is strongly recommended we keep a battery charged light, and/or candles and matches; a battery powered device to listen to weather reports; and perhaps a small supply of food and drink. To be comfortable we might have a chair, or blanket and pillow.
Then we just wait. Prepared to see in the dark we listen for the warnings and information from a source who monitors the storm. Thankfully this helps us know much about the storm. It is a protective, preventive system that has kept us through many a storm.
Inside the shelter We may fret and worry about the danger looming. But ultimately we must keep waiting, staying in that safe place, listening, and trusting the directions we are being given. It is very important. It has probably saved our lives more than once.
There are always more stormy seasons than we want. We don't know how many there will be or long they will last. We don't know what the velocity of the storm will be. We do know God is faithful to be there all the way through.
In the ferocity of the velocity it can be a challenge to hear the voice we need. The voice is high above, yet so near, and deep inside. If you find yourself in a vortex needing a physical healing, a spiritual encounter, or facing overwhelming circumstances let me say this loud and clear - God is with you!
Linda Livengood
Trying to describe standing in the middle of a small roundabout. I am feeling the intimidating force of the vehicles as they keep moving all about me. There is no break in traffic to allow the possibility of navigating through or beyond where I am. I am required to just stand there.
As I am describing this feeling, Michael, my husband, responds with the word 'vortex.'
I said 'yes!' Yet neither of us really quite understood. Pondering on the concept of vortex I felt the Lord say, 'I am the vortex.'
Many of those we love are experiencing very challenging times. Some are battling spiritually, for others it is physical and emotional. It is huge, threatening circumstances for others.
We have a responsibility to share the burden of others.
The Bible tells us to pray always. While these burdens are not to overwhelm us they do require us to constantly stand and Wait, patiently and attentively.
Then I looked up the definition of vortex: a mass of spinning air, liquid, etc., that pulls things into its center
1 : something that resembles a whirlpool <the hellish vortex of battle >
2 a : a mass of fluid (as a liquid) with a whirling or circular motion that tends to form a cavity or vacuum in the center of the circle and to draw toward this cavity or vacuum bodies subject to its action; especially : whirlpool, eddy
b : a region within a body of fluid in which the fluid elements have an angular velocity
Then I looked up the definition of Velocity:
1 a : quickness of motion : speed
b : rapidity of movement
c : speed imparted to something
2 : the rate of change of position along a straight line with respect to time : the derivative of position with respect to time
3 a : rate of occurrence or action : rapidity
b : rate of turnover
God is all around us and knows each situation well. Nothing is out of His sight or out of His control. John Kilpatrick says, 'Everything is Father filtered!'
Recently I've often returned to the thought of abiding in Him. Abiding is a great concept, even if standing in a vortex is not the most comfortable place to be abiding. When we are challenged with ferocity of the velocity we can trust Him.
He draws us and stays with us. It doesn't matter how out of control it seems. When it is a hellish battle He is the safe place. Much like the eye of a tornado which can be quite peaceful, He will be the center. When we don't know where or when to go or what to do we can just hang there. Stay focused on Him and let Him be the center.
He helps us stand in the midst of the commotion, the timings, shiftings, the pain, and the changing of positions. He holds us steady all the time and every time. He knows when we need to be still and when it is safe to move. When action on our part is needed, or required He makes the way. He is the best guide to take us straight through.
In Midwestern Illinois we need a physical shelter to go to during a storm. In this sheltered place It is strongly recommended we keep a battery charged light, and/or candles and matches; a battery powered device to listen to weather reports; and perhaps a small supply of food and drink. To be comfortable we might have a chair, or blanket and pillow.
Then we just wait. Prepared to see in the dark we listen for the warnings and information from a source who monitors the storm. Thankfully this helps us know much about the storm. It is a protective, preventive system that has kept us through many a storm.
Inside the shelter We may fret and worry about the danger looming. But ultimately we must keep waiting, staying in that safe place, listening, and trusting the directions we are being given. It is very important. It has probably saved our lives more than once.
There are always more stormy seasons than we want. We don't know how many there will be or long they will last. We don't know what the velocity of the storm will be. We do know God is faithful to be there all the way through.
In the ferocity of the velocity it can be a challenge to hear the voice we need. The voice is high above, yet so near, and deep inside. If you find yourself in a vortex needing a physical healing, a spiritual encounter, or facing overwhelming circumstances let me say this loud and clear - God is with you!
Linda Livengood
Revival Reports from Doorkeepers (Facebook page)
