24 straight posts I have published on this “sweet” blog. As
I take a minute to reflect on that fact I am completely in awe of God and His
ability to do ANYTHING. Ask Tyler, I am the opposite of a “morning person,” and
yet for God has managed to get my lazy self out of bed early to type these messages from
Him!
A friend asked how I have been able to do this writing challenge;
it’s a daunting task. I loved her asking that question because I could be
honest and say that the night before I begin to feel butterflies in my stomach
over the next post. I tell God, what in the world will I write about tomorrow?
And so clearly, in my spirit, He says, “Haven’t I provided the words every.
single. time.? Go to sleep and have faith that I will equip you for this thing
I have called you to do.” And each morning I pray about what needs to be said
and He has provided. 24 straight times.
Any other time of my
life I would have been way too afraid and insecure to try a writing challenge
like this, but after the trials I faced with my dear friends this past year and
sitting with people in their grief, I can now attest to the fact that our God
is indeed bigger than what I had previously thought. Even though it’s not like
I had a picnic my whole life either and I probably should have already learned this about Him.
“There’s
more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with
troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us,
and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us
alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re
never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough
containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy
Spirit!” Romans 5:3-4 msg
Y’all. I can’t round up enough containers
to hold everything God is doing.
I cannot say my patience is passionate as
the verse says necessarily, but I get what Paul is saying. I have been on high
alert for months now and witnessed the fruit of waiting as God’s perfect timing
is revealed. I didn’t say I wait perfectly, but I see the benefits of allowing
God to work His plan rather than rushing ahead of Him causing myself pain and
anxiety. I type that last sentence very hesitantly knowing there will be a time
one of you will have to remind me that I said it!
So what do we do in this waiting period? We
praise Him and we continue to ready ourselves for battle. Then we
feel all “equipped” to fight and the only thing left to do is be still and know
that He is God.
I received a text the other day from a
friend right in the moment I felt like things were not moving along the way I
thought they should be,
“The Lord will
fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:14
It was just a short little verse that
changed the trajectory of my day. It let me take a deep breath, lower my
shoulders that have been up around my ears from tension for weeks now, and
instead of feeling the need to be heard, it reminded me to be a listener.
Later I looked up the context of the verse.
Moses was fleeing with his people to escape the Pharaoh and his Egyptian army.
Just when they thought they might be getting away, they come across the enormous
Red Sea in their path.
Imagine their desperation. Moses obeyed God
and this is where He led them? The Israelites start questioning it all and whining
about being brought to such an impossible place. God then parts the sea right
down the middle and allows his people safe passage.
Who gets the glory after being delivered in
that manner? Almighty God. No one else.
I feel power, peace and energy from the
prayers so many of you are sending on behalf of my sister’s family…but this is
when we wait expectantly for God to be who He says He is. I know He will
provide. He is faithful.
What sea do you need parting in your life? Do you believe God can do it?
“Be
prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all
the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over
but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace,
faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need
them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in
this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters.
Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind
or drops out.” Ephesians 6:13-17 msg
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