STAY

by Janice M. Wilson

The lord will perfect that which concerns me: (Psalm 138:8a)

Patience is not one of my strong points. It never was.

One thing I can’t do well is wait for answered prayers. To stay put and wait. It’s one of my struggles that I’m not mature yet in my faith.

One the same token, I have seen Him answer prayers in my life and guide my steps many many times. So you would think I would know better by now, right?!

But it doesn’t seem to get any easier.  There must be one little link I’m missing.

Am I so consumed by fears and passion that I cannot wait for fulfillment – or death of my dreams?

I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  (Jeremiah 29:11)

Someone of my acquaintance who is mature in the faith reminded me that it even took God 6 days to create the world and rested on the 7^th day.  Added to that, God’s sense of a day is completely different than ours (1,000 years to our day?)

If it took God that long, then why should working out my measely little wishes and dreams be any shorter?

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise;you perceive my thoughts from afar.³ You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.  Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.

Psalm 139:1-5

He knows every step I take, every move I make, every word I will say before I do.

I have to try and remember this as I await answers.  He goes before me and prepares what’s ahead for me.

I was also reminded that He is preparing MY heart for what’s ahead too.

And being the Father, He only wants what is best for His children.

The very thought that Father is looking out for me should be enough. And it is.

Which reminds me – I’m acting like a spoiled child holding her breath until she gets her way.

That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men,

but to the will of God.  1Peter 4:2

But my way may not be the best thing for me.  My way could lead me to disaster. I cringe at how many times I got ‘my way’ and I’m still suffering for it.  Stubborness doesn’t pay in the long run.  But I learn better each time.

As I wait for the outcome of two of my personal current wishes, I’m reminded of the 10 virgins who were told to prepare their lamps for something big coming.  Better things. Lasting things. His design.

Proverbs 31 compliments women who prepare and maintain their homes and their lives in general. I need to be a better steward of the free time I couldn’t wait to have. It’s here. I should fill it with good things that make a lasting difference in the world.

Meanwhile, His plan will shake out in a way that is best for me.

Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart and Lean Not on Your Own Understanding, in All Your Ways Submit to Him and He Will Make Your Paths Straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Lately, He has spoken about ‘waiting’ to me through various means, all saying the same thing:

Wait and trust His timing.

Don’t rush the preparations.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13