(photo: Jack and Eli in MN)
As I was praying about this with Him today, I was sure that all of this is coming about because of His perfect timing. I believe the Lord's timing is always perfect, but He surprised me with this thought: Even in His perfect timing, will I still believe that and trust Him even if He says "Wait longer" or "No"?
I immediately said "Yes."
He asked again...I paused...how would I feel? Would I be disappointed? Yes, I know I would. Would I lose just a little faith and my trust in Him? I had to search my heart, for He deserved a truthful answer. No, I would not lose faith or my trust in Him. I could honestly say that if He decides to say "No", it is for a reason we cannot see, and to know that He has something better in mind.
This is very hard to understand, when we have such a great desire for our lives and we want to trust Him with it. But I do know this, when I really think about it, this isn't about answered prayer. It is about getting closer to God so that I will trust Him and obey Him no matter what is going on in my life. I can delight in Him no matter what because He delights in me and He knows what is best for me (and for my family).
Debbie from Heart Choices recently wrote a post entitled Say Yes to Joy. I had been thinking about what she wrote for a couple of days, and so as I thought also about the longtime prayer my family has and how God will answer it, Debbie's message was so encouraging, and one thing she said was, "Saying yes to joy requires me to recognize that no matter what is going on in my life ...God is with me."
Debbie shared Zephaniah 3:17 -
The Lord your God is with you.
He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you
He will quiet you with his love.
He will rejoice over you with singing.
So today I choose joy. If He answers "No" I will be disappointed, but I can still find joy in Him. If He answers "Yes"...
8 comments:
Oh, amen! I say yes to joy, too...love the pictures you used to get your point across...
Waiting is the hardest part for me, too. You are an inspiration, whether you realize it or not, you've helped me to deal with a situation I am being made to wait on. I simply have to trust that He is faithful and that my job is just to trust.
Have a wonderful Thursday!
Anne
Wow, what a great post! We are just coming off of a v-e-r-y long waiting on the Lord period. And I wish I could say there was never a moment I doubted. Truth is, we had never been on such a dessert experience. My husband continually felt the Lord saying to him, "Will you trust me, even though it doesn't make sense?" The Lord held us through it all and though we still have many obstacles we are trusting.
Hi Laurie,
I completely agree that we need to choose joy! "The Joy of the Lord is My Strength!" I am so glad you stopped by my blog yesterday and introduced yourself. Seems we do share some things in common; our love for the Lord of course being the main thing. I will enjoy getting to know you and it is very nice to 'meet' you. Wishing you a beautiful day.
Blessings,
Sandi
Great post!
~Debra
Blog: Capers of the vintage vixens
Awesome article! I so agree. :) I've been blessed this week, as I've been waiting, with Psalm 118 (wrote about it for this Sunday too :) ). Bet it would encourage you even more as well!
By the way, love your photos and verses. I participate in Word-Filled Wednesday each Wednesday. Do you? If not, I think you'd love it as well. It's such an encouragement! :) I've linked to my last one as it has more info :)
Thanks again for visiting at SandwichINK.com for the 2010 Ultimate Blog Party! :)
It took a very "hard fall" for me to finally get it. Disappointment mixed with fear and loss, and here I am today, grateful, because now I know with certainty that we are loved and cared for. I know whatever comes, I am going to be just fine.
You will be too, Laurie, no matter what happens.
Hugs,
Zuzu
I am honored that you quoted me!
I so agree with you on this. I have to say that I've struggled with trust issues. You know when people let you down, it's easy to not trust anyone, including God. But I'm learning that He is trustworthy.
Sometimes He answers our prayers in ways we don't expect or wish for. But I'm learning too that His way is always best ...where He can be glorified.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
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