A friend and I were talking the other night about seeking God for answers. And then we lamented the often slow process of waiting for Him to speak.
Sometimes I think it would be great if God would just send me an email. Or text me an answer. Or write it on my Facebook wall. Because that would be fast and convenient.
And…I know. Ridiculous.
He’s proven to me that He speaks. And that He speaks personally and specifically. But there are times when He seems quiet or slow. And it’s then that I can grow weary. It’s then I have to remind myself of what’s true.
He tarries on purpose. And though I hate to admit it, His slowness can be a gift. Because what I characterize as slow can actually be what moves me into dependency. It presses me into that place of intimate seeking. And that’s where I’m created to be.
But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
2 Peter 3:8-9
If He hasn’t answered then the answer is clear: keep seeking Him in prayer and keep meditating on His Word. He promises to guide. He promises to never forsake. He promises to guard our hearts with peace as we lay each and every anxious place before Him. (Phil. 4:6-7)
Fill me, Lord…
What do you do when you’re waiting for Him to answer?
Book Club
We had a great discussion on Friday about chapter one of To Walk or Stay. Thank you to all who contributed! This week we’re reading chapter 2. We’ll discuss the chapter on Thursday at Crystal Stine’s blog. I’ll have a link to her post here on Thursday.
Amen. It is so hard, yes. The waiting. But thankful His presence is an answer every morning; He is there, He is listening, just hold on. Always encouraged by your heart, Lara!
“His presence is the answer.” Love it. Thank you friend.
I smile…just last week I was hoping Jesus would show up in the flesh, ring my doorbell and hand me the perfectly thought out, very detailed formulaic plan I should follow…sigh….I poured through psalms and proverbs, writing page after page of prayer…and then I started seeking counsel. I really…and I mean really wanted someone to say do this, do that, but most of my godly women friends affirmed my staying on the knees and pouring through His word. It’s so tough…God is so mysterious and His living active word speaks different things to each of us…particular, personal things.
It is tough Jolene. I want the formulaic plan too. It seems like that would be best. But I guess that wouldn’t require much faith. So…we press on.
After I stop panicking, I remember His promises. I remember that He is always Who He is. Always. When I don’t know what He wants me to do, I remember Who I am in Him and hold onto that truth. Otherwise, I go off in other directions and get sidetracked and convince myself of things that aren’t true.
“Remember.” The continual command, and truth. We are so quick to forget. Remembering with you, sister-friend.
I can totally relate to you Lara. I run into trouble when I feel like I am not hearing Him right. If I feel Him speaking to my heart, I can quickly start to doubt what I heard if there is not some sort of confirmation from Him. I know this is when we should step out in faith if it is something He has called us to. But it is difficult to know for sure. I always crave those definite ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. Unfortunately it doesn’t always work that way. I’m learning that the only thing I can do is continue to seek Him and follow Him with faith.
Thank goodness He is patient with me! Waiting is hard, but God works when we are in our secret place waiting on Him. I’m so thankful for His promises.
One of my favorites – Deuteronomy 31:8 ” The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”