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Encouraged to Encourage
What is this Song all about?
In the normal course of events when in the midst of difficulties men and women do not automatically begin to sing.
Why? Because singing is usually associated with happiness, a joyous response to something 'good' that has happened, or may be just 'feeling fine and on top of the world'.
The story behind our song today reveals an irrevocable truth that is based on fact, not wishful thinking, or a figment of the imagination.
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Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus |
| It is first a song of strength... |
the strength that perseveres in the midst of darkness. |
| It is a song of comfort... |
comfort that is based on the reality of a fact in the absence of evidence that can be seen ... |
| It is a song of assurance... |
assurance comes tentatively to begin, but grows stronger and stronger as it is tested and not found wanting... |
| It is a song of faith... |
faith that struggles and wavers but keeps on in the midst of adversity, becoming more meaningful and stronger as the days go by... |
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The Author Edna R. Worrell has this to say:
"I was standing at a Bank counter in Liverpool, waiting for a clerk to come; I picked up a pen and began
to print on a blotter in large letters, two words which had gripped me like a vice: 'PRAY THROUGH',
I kept talking to a friend and printing until I had the big blotter filled from top to bottom with a column. I
transacted my business and went away. The next day my friend came to see me, and said he had a striking
story to tell me. A businessman came into the bank soon after we had gone. He had grown discouraged
with business troubles. He started to transact some business with the same clerk over that blotter, when
his eye caught the long column of 'PRAY THROUGH', he asked who wrote those words, and when he
was told exclaimed, 'That is the very message I needed, I will pray through. I have tried to worry through
in my own strength, and have merely mentioned my troubles to God; now I am going to pray the situation
through until I get light.'
God's word hidden in Edna's heart and mind, and found in 1Thessalonians Chapter 5 Verses 15 to 18 and
in particular verse 17 that says "Pray without ceasing"; a delay in her own business transaction
combined with the need to do something as she passed the time talking to the clerk, led to this 'doodle'.
The activity forgotten, returned like a sheet of lightening to awaken within her the desperate need of
peoples and the sure answer to that need.
With pen and paper in hand, and mind and heart open and ready for action, the words of this song flowed
as the Holy Spirit inspired Edna to offer to the world something that is of real and lasting value for every
Nurse and Midwife to take, and use, to enrich and to bring deeper meaning into his or her interactions and Activities each day.
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"PRAY THROUGH" |
1.
Don't stop praying! The LORD is near;
Don't stop praying! He'll hear your cry;
God has promised and He is true;
Don't stop praying! He'll answer you.
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2.
Don't stop praying for every need;
Don't stop praying! The LORD will heed;
No petition to Him is small;
Don't stop praying! He'll give you all.
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3.
Don't stop praying when led to sin;
Don't stop praying that good may win;
Christ was tempted and understands;
Don't stop praying! He'll hold your hands.
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4.
Don't stop praying when bowed with grief;
Don't stop praying! You'll get relief;
Troubles never escape God's sight;
Don't stop praying! He'll make it right.
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5.
Don't stop praying but have more trust;
Don't stop praying! for pray we must;
Faith will banish a mount of care;
Don't stop praying! God answers prayer.
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And Jesus answered and said to them "Assuredly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt,...
And all things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." Mathew 21:21-22
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened." Mathew 7:7
It is interesting and important to note that in Verse 16 in 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 we are encouraged to "Rejoice in the LORD always", and then in verse 17 "To pray without ceasing". In this song we have the joyful combination of music and singing with faith and prayer.
The outcome is an inspired, encouraged heart and mind and in due course - God's perfect timing - the joy of answered prayer. Often different to what we expected but always of much greater value.
You never know just how God will take His word imbedded in your heart and mind and use it in a most unexpected way to bring hope and encouragement to someone along life's way.
May every Nurse ask for a 'new song' each day to inspire and encourage her- himself, and then all those he or she interacts with, while at the same time bringing joy to the heart of our Creator.
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