03.15
Wes and I were talking this morning about Sunday’s time change. I complained, “I just don’t like getting up in the dark.” Wes snapped back, “I don’t like getting up in the dark… or the light.”
Even though I get up early, I prefer to work late and sleep late. Hard to believe, I know. Take this weekend… I stayed up late Friday night (10:30 pm) and slept in until 9 am Saturday morning. I love to sleep in and it felt so good! Lingering in the bed on a low key morning is ‘da bomb!’
Habakkuk had to “linger and wait” for an answer from God. That’s not nearly as fun as lingering in the bed. And while I don’t like to wait, God’s answers are worth waiting for. When I rush the process, it doesn’t turn out so well.
I’d love to hear some stories from you. Tell me about a time that you waited for God’s answer. Even if the answer was unsatisfying, share your stories.
I was reminded of a song when I read this. I have been praying for what God wants me to do “when I grow up”, but have yet to hear anything. While I’m waiting I should be like the song!
By the way, it truly helps to serve. I would be 100 times more miserable if I did not have my servant duties with West Cobb Church.
While I’m Waiting
I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait
I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve you while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord
Ken, only you would think 10:30 at night is “late”…LOL! And I agree with Wes about getting up in the mornings…it must be a Walker thing.
I figured that I’d get a comment on that!
Don’t worry, Ken. You’re in good company. Anything after 10pm is a stretch for us
I have also been waiting and praying for God to show me what He wants me to do with my life. I graduate in a couple of months and I know without a shadow of a doubt what college I’ll be attending, but I have absolutley no idea what career/major to pursue. At first I didn’t worry about it too much because most undergraduates change their majors plenty of times anyways. Then I realized I’m the only one in my group of friends who has no set plans for their life. The pressure was on. lol:)
I’ve been praying about this for awhile. Praying and waiting. Waiting and praying. Months passed. More praying and more waiting. Finally, and quite unexpectedly, God gave me an answer in a way I hope I never forget, because it was truly that amazing:) Was the answer what I wanted? No. I wanted a definite career decision, and what I got instead was “Wait. You are unlike any other creature on this earth. Your DNA is unique and so is your purpose. In time you’ll know what My plans are. Don’t fret about this. I made you to do my will. If you desire my will then trust me and it will be done. Trust Me and I will deliver you. I WILL show you the path I have set for you. Just wait.” (I’m reminded of Jeremiah 29:11)
So with no other options, I’m going to continue to wait. But I will do so joyfully (or at least try to), not anxiously as if I doubt an answer will come. Because I don’t.
It’s cool that you’re listening for God even as a young adult!
It’s a good thing that I’m not GOD….
If I were, I would have provided for our needs by having my paycheck come in on time.
If I were, I would have given him the ability to speak the language perfectly to make all of this easier.
If I were, I wouldn’t have allowed her to go through that experience that left her despising herself in the mirror.
If I were, I wouldn’t have let that baby die before it met its wonderful family.
If I were, I would have softened his father’s heart so that he could tell his family that he believed.
But because HE is…
HE provided for our needs through unexpected ways and even gave us the chance to take a vacation together.
HE used that experience to show her how beautiful she is to HIM.
HE is teaching us to rely on HIM to equip us.
HE wrapped HIS strong arms around them and comforted them in the way only someone who has also lost a child can.
HE spoke to him dreams, building the courage he needs to share with others.
“Trust Me”
This is what I was able to SOAP from the scriptures. Easy right? Hah, I tend to “Trust Him” when everything is going well and “Try To Do It Myself” when things aren’t going the way I think they should be going.
So, needless to say, I end up with an even bigger mess and end up asking for His help only after I made the mess bigger, which is when I hear, “are you ready to “TRUST ME”?”
(I tend to be bowing my head at this point in embarrassment saying, “Yes, I know, I did it again.”)
Thankfully His response always seems to be a hug and gentle guidance. I pray I will always have the same response to my wife and children.
“If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place” hit me. While I’m waiting, can’t there be a whisper of what’s up ahead? I’m at the dangling stage..that’s a good bit past the waiting stage. It’s where you’re just hanging on and starting to care less and less about what you’re waiting for. I can’t see that I’m learning anything The only good thing I can see is that I have more compassion for everyone who’s not perfectly whole. I’ve never understood what brokeness meant. I think I’m beginning to understand.
More than anything Jay and I wanted children and we got pregnant on our honeymoon! 3 months later we had a miscarriage. The Dr said it’s “common” (as if that makes it better – ha!). A year later, we were pregnant again, 3 1/2 months later, I had a horribly painful tubal pregnancy. All the while we’re praying and “knowing” that God’s will was for us to have a baby…right NOW!. 2 years later, we were pregnant again. Everything was going well, better than the two previous pregnancies. 4 months later, we had a horrible miscarriage. Dr still couldn’t find anything wrong but referred us to a fertility specialist. After 2 years of steriods, hormones, test after test, timing EVERYTHING and going to the doctor several times a month, we stopped going to the fertility specialist. We both needed a break (poor Jay was dealing with a crazy person – me). About a year later, we were going through the God Is Closer Than You Think series at church. We both decided that we needed to trust that God’s plan was better than our plan, EVEN if that meant His plan was for us NOT to have children. Surprisingly, it was such a peaceful time for both of us. We released control and waited on God to show us HIS plan and trusted that it was good. A few weeks later, I was pregant (no fertility treatments). We were cautiously excited. 37 weeks later, Jared was born (7 years in the making). And we all lived happily ever after…ha-ha-ha. Less than a year later, both our dogs died, I got layed off, Jay lost his job and we now had a baby with reflux to provide for! But the previous dark days and waiting had prepared us to Trust God and HIS plan. We still have hard days and Jay is still looking for a job, but the peace that we have waiting on God is amazing. He has shown Himself to us in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Some of our favorite mantras that help keep us in check are – I was wrong, you were right, please forgive me (it really works : ); God is good all the time and God is God, I am not, I will trust Him.
Thank you for sharing your story:)