Waiting - Part Two

Alexander Pope wrote an essay in 1709 which stated, “For Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread.” Waiting is a topic people have struggled with through the centuries. Even those with a personal walk with the Lord are not immune to it.

Almost 130 scriptures in the Bible refer to this subject. Two well known evidences of the value in waiting were the many years before the promised Messiah arrived, and also the disciples waiting for the Holy Spirit’s presence to descend. No matter what the people did, they weren’t able to rush God’s timing.

So why do we grow impatient? Perhaps it’s a by product of the fast-paced society we live, in America. We’ve become accustomed to fast food, instant messages, on demand television, and a myriad of other conveniences that no longer require us to wait.

When my husband and I were newly married, we felt God telling us it was time to start our family. For over two years, we tried unsuccessfully to conceive. Each month I watched for tell-tale signs and became disappointed when I didn’t see them appear. We heard from God, so why were we experiencing difficulties? No matter what we did, we were unable to hurry God’s timing. Our son arrived when God deemed.

Sometimes we pray and feel God leading us in a specific direction. We’re eager to get started and plow ahead, not always seeking confirmation at first. Troubles arise and we become frustrated, wondering why God allowed this to happen. We keep pushing our way, trying to force things to go the way we desire; over confident we are in His will. Or maybe we choose to quit, because things are too difficult.

We shove and demand when God may be saying, “Be still. Wait.” Psalm 33:20 encourages, “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.”

The Bible Knowledge Commentary edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck had this to say about the final three verses of Psalm 33. “God’s people demonstrate their faith in three ways. First, they wait in hope for deliverance from the Lord as their Help and Shield. Second, they rejoice in Him whom they trust. Third, they pray for His unfailing love to rest on them.”[1]

Instead of bucking when a situation arises, what if instead we chose to wait, rejoice, and pray? Maybe God is allowing the bump in the road to help us see where we’ve taken a side trail, or stumbled off the path completely. Our first response in any circumstance should be to seek God and His timing. Don’t become cocky or over confident. Be open to questioning and seeking clarification of God’s will, checking to make sure you haven’t detoured or misunderstood. Pray and seek confirmation from accountability.

Follow the admonition of Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” His timing is perfect.

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[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck: 1983, page 819.

When All My Dreams Come True by Janelle Mowery

I recently had the privilege of reading Janelle Mowery's book entitled When All My Dreams Come True. I found myself pleasantly surprised with the character of Bobbie McIntyre. My historical reading usually gravitates to the traditional 'women' roles, and not heroines who wear pants and carry a gun. I loved the way Janelle created Bobbie to be a mix of feminine and pure cowgirl. Her sweet and sassy characteristics made it difficult to put this book down. This is a book I highly recommend.

This book was provided for review from Harvest House Publishers.

Waiting

Alexander Pope wrote an essay in 1709 which stated, "For Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread." I realize Christmas is over, but I keep thinking of a song we sang in a previous cantata entitled, "Waiting." It talks about all the years the Israelites waited for the Messiah to come to earth. They waited with anticipation, believing one day it would come true.

With our fast-paced society I think we often overlook the value of waiting upon the Lord. Isaiah 40:30-31 instructs us, "Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:30-31

I think at times we are the fools who rush in and demand things from God in our own timing and our own way instead of waiting for Him. When we choose to do this, we miss out on potential blessings that God desires to pour on us. He often has a better way in mind, but we pout and act like a toddler throwing a tantrum. Sometimes He indulges us, allowing us to miss out on something better.

How are you doing with waiting on the Lord for a situation you are facing? Are you the demanding toddler? Or are you persevering in prayer, with patience?

How's Your Thermostat Setting?

I've heard it referenced before that women are the thermostat in their home. Dictionary.com defines a thermostat as "a device that functions to establish and maintain a desired temperature  automatically or signals a change in temperature for manual adjustment." In other words, how we are, often sets the tone for our domain. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's the sole responsibility of the woman to manage it, but I think more often than not we have more control than we realize.

I don't come to you today with a sure fire way to be a healthy thermostat in your home, other than regularly being in your Heavenly Father's presence. Asking Him to chip away the parts and pieces that don't bring glory to him - complaining, arguing, ungratefulness, demanding our own way, impatience, etc. Perhaps the temperature of your home is too cold or hot. Maybe it's time for some self-reflection and prayer, to have God show you areas in your life that need to be molded and shaped into being more like Him. Is it time to stop pointing the finger to someone else and instead see where you need to change?

Happy Valentine's Day!!

"If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." 
1 John 4:15-16

A Snapshot of God's Love

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:13-14 


I've been reminded this week of God's unconditional love and forgiveness, no matter what we do, providing we turn to Him. He is the example we need to choose to follow, not harboring grudges or unforgiveness.

At times I think we choose to weigh our sins. "Well, this one isn't as bad as murder." "I only told a white lie, it's not like I hurt somebody." How subtle the evil one can be, deceiving us into justifying our behavior.

The other end of the spectrum is when someone has sinned, and it affects us. Do we choose to respond like Christ, offering unconditional love and forgiveness or do we opt to make them suffer? Do we choose to hold on to the hurts, or choose to let them go?

Perhaps you find yourself in a situation where you've been wronged. If God were to take a snapshot of your life right now, would He see a reflection of His love and forgiveness? How would your polaroid look?

Taking a Stand

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

Have you taken a stand against the devil and his desire to seek and destroy us and our families? I recently have been reminded of our continual need to stand in the gap, covering our loved ones in prayer. Often when we have a mountain top experience, or a time of God reaffirming His desire for our life, Satan is waiting in the wings, off stage for his opportunity to attack.

I realize how important it is to claim Joshua 24:15 which says, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” How are you doing with praying for your family each day?

Desire to Be Fully Known

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:11-12 


The concept of being fully known has been on my mind since I spent some time with a dear friend on Saturday. I can't help but believe that God has built into each of us the desire and need to be fully known and understood, but often we are afraid to reach out. The only person who can fully know us is Jesus Christ.

At times we seek this through relationships here on this earth as well, but often fear gets in our way. Perhaps we have opened up to someone, only to be hurt. So we hide our true thoughts and feelings, only willing to share bits and pieces. I can't help but think that this isn't the way God intended for our lives to be as believers in Christ. I think He wanted for us to have a much deeper fellowship, with Him and also each other.

It's not an easy place to be, allowing yourself to be vulnerable. I'm thankful that I serve a Savior who is faithful and true.