Hurdle Jumping

For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, "Do not fear, I will help you."  Isaiah 41:13

up·hold  /ˌəpˈhōld/

Verb Confirm or support (something that has been questioned): "the court upheld his claim for damages". Maintain (a custom or practice).

Synonyms support - sustain - back - maintain - second - back up

The above is the modern translation.  From the Hebrew word found in Isaiah there is a deeper meaning - support, sustain, establish, strengthen, comfort.  It is nice to have someone back you up in something, but even nicer when they comfort you regarding the obstacles you've just been forced to hurdle.
This morning I dreamed I was in a store with my husband.  He had to leave, but would be back shortly.  While he was gone, a tornado developed.  All the women moved to the women's restroom and the men to the men's.  I looked out the window and the tornado was headed straight for the women's restroom.  I offered a swift prayer, including that I trusted God for the best outcome, even if it meant my death.  In the dream, the tornado indeed entered the building, but it simply caused the walls to bulge and look as if they were going to split open.  We held our breaths as we watched it continue on, leaving our room in tact.  When all was over we walked out to find everyone fine and the sky clear as a bell; a beautiful blue with only wisps of white clouds in the distance.  My husband turned up a few minutes later and I told him what had happened.  He was skeptical to say the least.  Our associate pastor's wife was there.  He asked her what she knew about it.  She smiled and said she was hanging on to the picture I had given.  I turned to the girls who had been with me in the restroom and asked if they had seen the walls bulge.  They all started talking at once about how yes, they had seen and how scary it was.  My husband hugged me and all was well. I woke up and knew immediately what the dream was about - the turmoil in the church since our pastor's death. 
Last evening we had a business meeting that lasted 2 1/2 hours.  Our associate pastor started the evening reading reminders of how we are instructed by God to be in unity with no division.  Wise move.  Many, many questions were asked, but there seemed to be no real anger or bitterness involved.  There was disagreement, but no ugly or harsh words.  I left feeling relieved it was over and we were all still in tact emotionally, though I know of some who were most likely wrung out due to the roles they had to play. 
This morning, as I sat down to write this, the words our associate pastor's wife spoke in my dream, "I want to hang on to the picture she described," rang in my ears.  I believe God is telling me to cling to that picture over the next several months as we go through the process of regaining a lead pastor.  It will not only help sustain me, but it will be a great comfort until that great day.
Lord, help me remember that there is no storm too great, no hurdle too high, no battle too strong that You cannot handle it and bring about the victory.  As a matter of fact, You have already won the victory through Jesus.  Our job is to stand strong in faith, knowing You are there upholding us with Your right hand.  Keep us strong and courageous in Jesus, through the power of Your Holy Spirit.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9