Christian Living
At the time I have decided, my words will come true. You can trust what I say about the future. It may take a long time, but keep on waiting--it will happen! {Habakkuk 2:3 CEV}
God planted this writing seed in my heart a few years back. Before that, I had ZERO interest in writing a grocery list let alone books! In fact, I ran the other way when college became the next logical hill to tackle simply because I didn't want to have to WRITE! I guess that's kind of how I knew it was indeed God nudging me in that direction - it certainly wasn't me! So despite my lack of education and initiative, I mustered up all my faith and jumped on the writing trail.
But the past few weeks have left me overwhelmed with frustration. I began to heed the voice constantly reminding me of the "con list":
1- You have no education and no experience.
2- You are the most introverted and antisocial person ever - You can't network!
3- You have to focus on getting a real job to help support your family. You don't have time for this.
4- Nobody cares about what YOU have to say!
5- Maybe you got it all WRONG. Maybe God has other plans for you.
With all those cons weighing so heavily on my heart, I was seriously considering a direction change....pursuing something else. I couldn't hear the voice of God telling me to hold on to His promise. He gave me that vision; He created that dream in me....for a reason. So He made it clear in His Word when I (by no accident) happened to read John 11. In this chapter, we are told of Lazarus' death and his sisters' reaction to this seemingly hopeless situation. Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was ill, but in verse six we're told He did not immediately respond to their request for help.
Jesus loved Martha and her sister and brother. But He stayed where he was for two more days. {John 11:5-6 CEV}
In His delay, Lazarus died.
"I am glad that I wasn't there, because now you will have a chance to put your faith in me." {John 11:15 CEV}
So Jesus heard the sisters' plea and waited.....for a reason! He took this heartbreaking situation and used it to glorify the Father when He brought Lazarus back to life.
"Didn't I tell you that if you had faith, you would see the glory of God?" {John 11:40 CEV}
During my quiet time with the Lord that day I could just picture Jesus standing there with His hand on His hip saying, "Didn't I tell you?!!!! I'm going to do what I said I would do - Just wait for it! This is about glorifying our God!!"
Then, a week later, I attended a church service while visiting family out of state. What was the message? WAITING ON GOD and trusting His promises! The pastor said we should wait; thinking, talking and walking with an attitude of "expectancy and faith". She reminded us that God is not limited by the natural or the things of this world (just ask Lazarus)! Then she suggested that when it seems He has left us hanging, perhaps God is simply testing our faith and our trust in Him....
The reality is we may have to wait and maybe even "suffer" a little before we see His will come to fruition, BUT He will always come through for the faithful with perfect timing and impeccable execution! If this sounds like something you are struggling with, know that God has not forgotten His promise to you. Continue working toward your goal with confidence, knowing He's got it all worked out!
I'm still not exactly sure if I'm doing things the way He wants me to. Heck I'm not even sure I'm doing all the things He wants me to! But I'm pretty certain He's trying to tell me I'm on the right track. And when it's time for me to take the next step toward this dream of mine, I TRUST He will make that just as clear!!!
Do what the LORD wants, and he will give you your heart's desire. Let the LORD lead you and trust him to help. Then it will be as clear as the noonday sun that you were right. Be patient and trust the LORD. {Psalm 37:4-7 CEV}
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