AnswersMost of us are in a state of wondering. Wondering what's ahead. Wondering what to do if...I am writing this as an invitation to join me in my thoughts as I do the same. Recently, I sent out an article God's Shield About Us, but the Holy Spirit keeps impressing me with an urgent need to share further.The website http://www.fivedoves.com has consistently welcomed and encouraged the body of Christ to meet weekly with individual sharings and thoughts. We must be grateful for this refuge and the encouragements we can receive from one another through the labors of John Tng, Jim Bramlett and others---a weekly feast of manna...but to also be discerning that not all is spiritual because of individual levels of knowledge and walk in the Spirit, yet rejoicing in one another's desire to be used of God and to dig deeper into His Word.Daniel and Jeremiah's writings keep coming to me as very important to us at this particular time. Both were men greatly used of God while in captivity. Always, there were longings and yearnings in their thoughts for things to change, that they might see Israel returned to its former glory (like many want America to return). I might also add the Apostle John's imprisonment and banishment to the isle of Patmos, who would live out his days writing of his experiences with the Lord and meantime receiving visions of what was to come in the last days, which he penned in what became the book of Revelation.This is a time for us to press into the same frame of mind, to allow ourselves to experience this supernatural walk in the Holy Spirit---which is described as the "Comforter" which we all desperately need.When we are in distress of any kind, our flesh wants instant answers. But the tendency is to expect answers to come from worldly sources. These men knew they must wait for answers from God alone. In one instance, Daniel and all the wise men were ordered to reveal a specific dream and its interpretation which the king had dreamed. Daniel asked for time to pray and seek God for help, for only He could show them what the king had dreamed and provide the answers. "Interpretations belong to God" Daniel explained. Their very lives depended upon it, and of course, they were rewarded with the joy of hearing from God, and hearing the king's comments as he was astounded and acknowledged that only Daniel's God was the true and living one.I am convinced in my mind and spirit that God is the same; yesterday, today and forever. He is drawing us together to press in, as the body of Christ, to a unity of mind and purpose now in the days we live and the situations before us. It is not easy for us to consider humbling of ourselves, nor a waiting of 40 days or more of with fastings and withdrawing into the wilderness as necessary anymore.But I have yet to see the futility of it. Rather the rich rewards showered upon those who did.MARY E ADAMS