Jay Akkerman writes about the Biosphere 2 experiment. When scientists created an artificial environment and shut themselves in for two years, they could simulate every weather condition except wind. In this Biosphere 2, the effect of the windless environment was very noticeable.

“A number of acacia trees bent over and even snapped. Without the stress of the wind to strengthen the wood, the trunks grew weak and could not hold up their own weight.”

Our culture values comfort, pleasure, and wealth above most everything else. But we must remember that God uses hardship “for our good, that we may share in His holiness.” (Hebrews 12:10)

Today, I heard from our missionary to the Tuareg. We call her Mrs. T. She says:

Things have been terribly busy here for me the last couple of weeks. My husband is traveling and has only been home 3 days since Jan. 25 so some extra work is falling on me also.

Pray for me to not grow weary in well doing.

Pray for me to be strong in the Lord.

As I pondered her prayer needs, this is the verse that came to mind:

Isaiah 40:30-32 (New International Version)

New International Version (NIV)

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Lord, I ask you to be with our precious missionary. Bless her and keep her strong.
Send her a peace that passes all understand and let her hope in you.
“Help her to run and not grow weary and walk and not be faint. Send
her a blessing of peace and not anxiety for confusion is never from
You. Give her peace as she misses her husband and help her be strong.
Work in the hearts of the people that she is touching and help them
be strong as they face temptation. Bless her ministry and bring her
to a closer walk with you. Remind her that she has left family and
lands and friends for Your kingdom and will be richly blessed for her
sacrifice. Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you paved the way of sacrifice
for we have not resisted to the point of shedding blood. As you put
Sharon in the world spotlight keep her safe and strong. Help her to
do your will in everything. I love you, Jesus. In Jesus name. Amen.
Help her to run and not grow weary and walk and not be faint. Send
her a blessing of peace and not anxiety for confusion is never from
You. Give her peace as she misses her husband and help her be strong.
Work in the hearts of the people that she is touching and help them
be strong as they face temptation. Bless her ministry and bring her
to a closer walk with you. Remind her that she has left family and
lands and friends for Your kingdom and will be richly blessed for her
sacrifice. Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you paved the way of sacrifice
for we have not resisted to the point of shedding blood. Help her to
do your will in everything. I love you, Jesus. In Jesus name. Amen.