I slowly parked my car in one of the empty space I spotted in our staff’s parking last night. A slight gust of wind was blowing on and off, as a dust cloud twirled in one spot at times. I took a deep sigh after uttering a silent prayer. Feeling the covering of the Lord’s protection all around me before I entered the dark, evil place where I had been working, I was feeling strong in His power. Even before I set my feet into the prison’s door, I always asked for His gift of discernment. Knowing that I had no clue of what was to be expected.
Wisdom is His gift. But He gives it to those who earnestly seeks it. It takes effort to find it. Its path, exhausting. But when we do discover that true wisdom that comes from God, it’s very rewarding. Knowing that He is there to guide us in everything that we do.
“My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.”
~ Proverbs 2:1-11
Here is an example why I need to seek His gift of discernment with the line of work I’m in:
May you seek His gift of discernment.
Proverbs 3:5-8 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn your back on evil. Then you will gain renewed health and vitality.”
Here’s a prayer for discernment [Vasily Drosdov Philaret; c.1780-1867]
“O Lord, I do not know what to ask You. You alone know my real needs, and You love me more than I ever know how to love. Enable me to discern my true needs which are hidden from me. I ask for neither cross nor consolation; I wait in patience for You. My heart is open to You. For Your great mercy’s sake, come to me and help me. Put Your mark on me and heal me, cast me down and raise me up. Silently, I adore Your holy will and Your inscrutable ways. I offer myself in sacrifice to You and put all my trust in You. I desire only to do Your will. Teach me how to pray and pray in me, yourself…”
In Jesus’ Name, I pray…[I added this]…..And all of us please say…..AMEN!!!
Please visit Spiritual Sundays for many, many encouraging posts. I'm going to take a nap for now friends and will visit you when I get refreshed. Be strong in the Lord's mighty power [Ephesians 6:10]
Thank you for this word. I pray for wisdom and discernment as I go into different schools and situations in my work. Bless you.
ReplyDeleteMy dear sister, praying with you that God protects you even if you forget to ask in the busyness of your days. It's quite scary to see someone loose control like that.
ReplyDeleteSweet Sister,
ReplyDeleteMay the Lord protect you at all times as you continue to work in this dark place. May His light shine ever so brightly down upon your work place and through you as you continue to aid these people in all ways. What an unexpected pop that guy gave to the nurse...sure took me by surprise. I prayed the prayer along with you here my dear friend and I thank the Lord for people like you who serve in such a way and in such a place as this.
I love you and pray for your protection all of the time. Thank you for always stopping by and praying, encouraging and inspiring me at my place as well as here. You are greatly cherished by all.
Big Hugs,
Alleluiabelle
I continue to ask God to stay close to you, and protect you always. I love you sis.
ReplyDeleteYour strong faith and walk with the Lord will carry you through even the most difficult situations. Be blessed this week knowing that your blogging buddies are praying for you!
ReplyDeletePraying continually for your protection and for your ability to accurately discern each and every situation.
ReplyDeleteHugs, andrea
AMEN! AMEN! and amen sweet Rosel...I pray you always move in discernment (me, too) and for God's Divine protection daily! Praise God that you know that you need discernment and His wisdom at your work and always ask for it!!! Great Word for all of us. Darkness lurks outside the prison walls as well! I'm so glad that you are a wise,praying woman. May God always protect you even if you forget to seek and ask! May His power be with you and in you always!
ReplyDeletePeace ~ Peggy
The Power of His Love
I am adding my prayers for your protection too. This is a powerful and sobering post. God bless you and may God's angels keep guard over you...
ReplyDeleteOh Rosel....
ReplyDeleteI know we have just a glimpse of what you must face everyday ~ the atmosphere ALONE is a battlefield. Yet, You walk in every week filled with Love and a heart for the Lord and for HIS people. You serve HIM as you look at each one of these and do as HE instructs....pray, encourage, set boundaries, love and give understanding, etc.
Always praying for you my friend and grateful for your heart that so willingly glorifes the Lord and the ministry HE has given you!
Love you Rosel
Thank you for this reminder that we should pray for discernment. In your line of work it is absolutely essential. I really appreciate the way you share your experiences with us on a regular basis. Bless you as you lean on God for your strength and discernment.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
Rosel,
ReplyDeleteI guess I never thought something like this would be possible since the guards are always standing by. I am lifting you up in my daily prayers and asking for divine protection upon you and your household for the work that you both do. May God extend His hand and His angels to watch over you all.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Spiritual discernment is a precious commodity. We fail so many times to avail ourselves of it through spiritual disciplines and exercises.
ReplyDeleteYou are in a dangerous environent and occupation which causes for discernment, caution, and constant awareness.
I am very aware that many times my theology is inconsistent as in this case. I know that God is sovereing over your life. He will not permit anything to harm you unless he has deemed to be beneficial to you and for his glory. You are just as safe there as you are in your own living room. Yet, I [please don't re-read anything into this] don't think women should be C. O.s or even police officers on the street. Yet you are nurse and could run into these same situations in the nicest hospital in the Hamptons or Beverly Hills.
That video brings it home. This world is dangerous, sick with sin, and except for the grace of God we would all be hurt, injured, or worse.
Bro. Gregg: I fully understand and appreciate your honest comment about no women should be doing the work of street cops or in correctional facilities as officers. However, prior to me leaving the hospital where I worked for almost 10 years, everyone was scared for me and was telling me not to work here knowing how dangerous the setting is. Being not as strong with my walk at that time, I was hesitant and scared. But had no choice since my neck injury prevented me from working at the hospital. Many years later, realizing, the Lord was the One Who brought me here now. Please don't feel that I'm against your opinion at all, but I just want to talk about my own experience. Seeing many women cops who actually helped in holding down combative inmates, and many women cops who bring in arrestees under influence of substances, using the best judgment and abilities, I admired and always find myself praying for them.
ReplyDeleteIt's true what you said on the last part: it does not matter where we are. Evil can happen anywhere. I actually feel safer working in the prison than at the hospital [despite the video that I had shown].For me, I think it's knowing what God willed for a man or a woman and to be in that place where He wants us to be, we can be a more effective vessel for His glory.
I just want to thank you all for leaving me your honest points of view. We may not agree on some things but I know we all agree on One Truth! And that's what matters. God bless.
Praying for you....for your safety and for you to walk in discernement. I know He walks with you everytime you step inside that prison. I know some are really violent and capable of terrible things. In your corner...
ReplyDeleteI gasped when I saw that video, and my hubby and one of my sons heard me so they came to see what I was doing. I have told them about your blog before. We all watched it together. Even though it has been a few minutes now, my body is tense and on alert just from viewing it. It occurs to me how you have a constant obvious need for God's protection. I know we all always are, but it is just not so obvious in everyday life. The verse comes to mind, "They will be held accountable whose strength is their God." You won't have to worry about this one! So nice reading your blog again. I am thankful for your speaking on discernment. I read a book that seemed good recently, but as I got deeper I felt he was off. I am so thankful for the Lord, his word, and his discernment. I love this period of time I am in because it is so alive and rich and welling up in me. Thanks for being a part of the process of me being renewed. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder to pray for discernment in our daily life. God bless and protect you...
ReplyDeleteMay God keep you safe as you continue to spread His love.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your posts which are so filled with insights and wisdom, I've been blessed, truly, and the Lord has spoken to me through your last 2 posts. Thanks sister.
ReplyDeleteI can certainly use more discernment in my life, especially now a days. That was some video. He was determined to hit her. Wow.
ReplyDeleteWOW...That was a scsry glimpse into how it might be working in the enviroment you are in every day. I pray that the Lord not only watches over you and protects you, but also that your light continues to be strong for some of these truly troubled and lost people. I am grateful for you and those of you like you who are willing to do this for Him. Have a GOOD Sunday. Blessings, Debbie
ReplyDeleteSorry, it was suppose to read "scary"...
ReplyDeleteThe video is really shocking.
ReplyDeleteWe have His protections as He promised in His word, "no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent." Psalm 91.
God bless!
xo
Regina
I will pray for your safety. The Lord is with you always.You mention in this comment page that evil can be anywhere. We all need to pray for our protection, but we need to lift you up to him because of your occupation.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Ginger
I had difficulty reading the first part of your post over your beautiful picture.
ReplyDeleteHe has angels all around us to protect His own.
I have read the many, excellent comments others have made about this great post and I don't have anything new to add. I agree with all the others and just want to encourage you and thank you for being YOU and thank you for posting this message.
ReplyDeleteTo do what you do, all I can say is "you are special." As God watches over the sparrow, I know He watches over you.
ReplyDeletePraying for your safety as you go about your job. In our training to be volunteers for our prison ministry, we are instructed to be watchful and be on guard. Since I'm there only four times a year, I don't often stop to think about the dangers you and other prison employees face on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you, sister.
By the way, I love your new blog look!
It is amazing how God provides everything we need in these situations. Because it is so dark, he has so much protection. I'm praying that His voice will lead you and peace will surround you!
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Mary
You really do need discernment, and I think God has blessed you with that gift. Praying for your protection, sweet friend. Blessings ~
ReplyDeleteRosel,
ReplyDeleteThank you for showing us that scary video...that poor woman nurse! I know that you work in a very tense inviornment at times and I know that God watches over you and blesses you and your work.
God Bless You,
Jean
Praying for you and all the nurses who take the risk each day. You serve Christ in an important way as you walk into the prison.
ReplyDeleteHello, I have worked in Mental Health Forensics and never had a problem. God is our refuge and strength, our very present help in times of trouble.Psalms 46:1
ReplyDeleteI always listened to what the patients said and was always fair in my response. I never made then feel I was over them and they knew I didn't tolerate bad behavour. It may not be the same for you.....but many nurses have been hurt, I never was. If God be for you who can be against you?Romans 8:31.
Stand on the scriptures as I am sure you do.
May God bless you, protect you and keep you safe always.