Count

We all have something. we count on... There are many times we "count the days" until an important event. We know and believe that something special is going to happen.

Did you know that there is a time between Passover and "Pentecost" (I put that in quotes because I like to refer to it as Shavuot) that is counted? The Jewish people were instructed by God to count seven weeks after the first day of Passover, so the 50th day from Passover. These weeks were a time to thank God for all He had provided and the first fruits of their harvest. This instruction is found in Leviticus 23:15-16. Today it is often referred to as the "counting of the omer." Omer means "a bundle or sheaf" and was a way of measuring the harvest.

The day we now know as Pentecost (fifty in Greek) is the day the Holy Spirit fell on those in the Upper Room (Luke 24:49). What most people do not realize today, because they have not been taught the Jewish Feasts and Festivals, is that this group of people were in that room WAITING because they had COUNTED the 50 days as they were supposed too and they KNEW that God was going to show up. They anticipated something happening that day.

I found a book called "From Passover to Pentecost" by Cynthia Schneider at a second hand shop and I have been reading through her devotionals this year as I "count the omer." I am doing my best to anticipate what God is going to do. I am doing my best to believe and KNOW that He is going to show up and make His presence known. As I read these short pieces of encouragement it strengthens me to be ALL He wants me to be. These words encourage me to keep the Faith and to keep believing.

In a world filled with so much anticipation of what is coming next, it is easy to become impatient and lose hope. It is easy to think that nothing good is going to happen. These weeks from Passover to Pentecost should be a reminder that we do NOT need to lose hope. That God is still providing and He will "show up" when He needs too.

As you walk through these weeks, today is Saturday the 18th and it is day 16 of the omer, don't lose hope. Look to HIM and keep counting. Keep holding on knowing that HE is in control and that in HIS time all things will be made beautiful. And always remember to "Count your Blessings" because that is what this season is about...

I'm speaking to myself today...

Love and blessings,

Rose