This word is submitted by Jane Larsen (jlarsen65@hotmail.com)

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                    The Climb

While in prayer I saw a deep, black hole.  It was huge and the darkness was
intense.  As I was about to continue in prayer the Lord told me to wait and
look for if I did not look I would not see what was about to happen.  As I
looked I saw a person climb out the hole, literally hoisting him/herself up
in weariness, and I knew the climb out had been hard and tiring.  The person
wore armour that was dented from many battles, and held a sword in their
hand.  The boots were very heavy, it seemed like the soles were made of
steel.  Then the Lord moved this in me:

You have been to the depths, yes, the very depths, and did you think I left
you there in darkness?  Do you not know yet that there is no place so deep
that I am not there?  There is no darkness so black that my light cannot
shine and chase it away forever.

I shod you with the shoes of strength so you could stand in that place.  So
nothing could make you fall.  It was on my word you stood, despite the place
where you were.  I have given you the sword of truth and you used it.  Now
continue to use it, for the place of the deep has strengthened you.  Yes,
you do not see it now, you cannot see with my eyes, but I tell you this to
encourage you and strengthen you, for you are not in that place any longer.
I have called you out.  I have climbed with you.  I have stood beside you.
I have endured with you.

Many attacks have bruised you, but they did not harm you.  Many pains have
hurt you, but they could not destroy you.  Before the very foundations of
the Earth were laid, I gazed in love upon you and I set you aside for a time
such as this.  Look.  Before you are the hills of my pasture and the streams
of my living water.  Before you are the winds of peace and the light of my
love.  You are in a fresh place, a growing place, a place of strength and
victory and joy.  You have entered my rest.

I know many forsook you and you thought you stood alone.  I know many ran
and left you there.  I did not.  I can never leave you.  I can never abandon
what is mine.  You were mine before time began.  Now you know who it is you
need.  Now you know where it is you must look.  Now you know where it is you
must go.  In all things and everywhere, I am.  I am with you.