Speechless By God's Timing

Kendall sat on a small wooden bench outside of the chain link fence at the Nyimba Prison this afternoon just like he had done several times before. Josias hurried to finish his meal and came to the fence with a smile on his face. They passed greetings and began to discuss his trial that is coming up tomorrow. He told Kendall that his papers had finally arrived from Lusaka and there would be a decision made about his case tomorrow. At the end of their conversation, Paul prayed for Josias and Kendall encouraged Josias to forgive the men that had accused him of murder. He explained to Josias that if he didn't it would really hurt his relationship with the Lord. Josias said that he would be sure to do that.
Two hours after Kendall's visit to the prison, I sat down to read and pray for our home church, as they are doing 40 Days of Prayer. I was floored when I began to read the devotion and focus of prayer.

Adoration
I worship You because You are near. Psalm 145:18 declares, "The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." Praise the Lord because of this amazing promise that He is near to those who call on Him in truth.

Each time we have visited Josias he has said that he is praying and knows that God still loves him and has not forgotten him in his time of imprisonment.

Confession
The Bible tells us love does not keep a record of wrongs. (Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-7) Help me to not hold grudges toward those who have harmed me. Just as You forgave me, may I forgive others.

Stop right now and ask God to forgive you if you have harbored any bitterness or ill-feeling toward someone else.

Today he said that he would begin to forgive these men in his heart and hopefully one day in person.

Petition was a specific request for the children's minister and ministry at our church.

Surrender

Help me to daily die to myself and let you live through me. (Read: Galatians 2:20)
As I wait on You today, may I be renewed in Your strength. (Read: Isaiah 40:31)

Each time we have visited him he shares about people that he has been sharing Christ with and that he clings to God's Word each day.

Thanksgiving
 I thank You for Christian friends, their support, love, encouragement, and accountability they bring to my life.

After I read this I closed my eyes with a huge smile on my face and just had to laugh. Laugh at the amazing timing and perfection of our Lord and how Sovereign He is in ALL things. God is so good!  I just had to share about how awesome God was in reminding me of forgiveness in my own life and for the amazing people that He has placed in our lives to love us, pray for us, and encourage us in the darkest and brightest times of life. Although, Josias is behind bars today, his heart is free in Christ. Pray for his trial tomorrow that the judge would have wisdom and that he would be a free man. God is sovereign over all things!