Waiting

Scripture: Psalm 27:14: "Wait for the Lord; be courageous and let your heart be strong. Wait for the Lord."

"Wait for the Lord." Such easy words to say, but can you live them?
"Wait for the Lord." Sometimes not as easy as waiting for a bus, an appointment, a phone call.

I find it interesting that the next sentence says "Be courageous and let your heart be strong."

To wait for the Lord can sometimes be the most difficult thing to do, especially when someone is sick, or you are looking for a job, a home to move into or wait for the doctor's results on a test. These words ring so true under such strained circumstances. "Be courageous and let your heart be strong."

Matthew 6:26 says, "Look at the birds of the sky: they don't sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they?"

I don't believe God ever takes us just so far - and then abandons us at any time. It may feel as though He's left your side, but I hang onto these scriptures in difficult times. If He cares for a little bird - how much more for me, His child?

These scriptures were never more alive in my life than in 2001. Within a 6 month period, my mother passed away, my truck was stolen and I lost my job. True story!

It is only because of my faith in God, that after losing my job, ("How much more can one person take?!" I asked God) I had to literally throw my head back and laugh out loud.

Sound incredulous?

I know my God is incredible!!!

Sometimes things are so bad that you have to choose to either cry or laugh.

I chose laughter because despite what life threw at me, I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, God was with me. Just as in Isaiah 41:10 says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." And indeed, I felt somehow nestled in His hand, safe from the storm no matter what was going on around me.

Through this most difficult time in my life, my family drew closer together when my mom died. Temp jobs started rolling in. With part of my inheritance, I eventually bought a new truck.

Be strong.
Wait on the Lord.

It is the hardest thing to do - but the rewards He has for you - priceless.

Prayer: Lord, help us all to remember that no matter what life throws at us, You are always in our midst, You hear our cries and bring comfort, shelter and fill our needs. Thank you, Lord, for never abandoning us in our time of need.

Prayer request: That the Lord make Himself known to all those right now who need to feel His gentle presence in their lives. Pray for those who need comfort, shelter and healing.