WAIT, NOT WHY!

Today's Read:

Romans 11:33-36

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom

and knowledge of God!

How undsearchable his judgements,

and his paths beyond tracing out!

Who has known the mind of the Lord?

Or who has been his counselor?

Who has ever given to God,

that God should repay him?

For from him and through him and to him are all things.

To him be the glory forever! Amen."

This post is almost a continuation of the previous post. The Lord has really been teaching me lately how to wait on him and trust him, in many areas of my life. I have had to wait on him to lead my in some career decisions, in opportunities to love and serve his people, and on the fruition of friendships and other relationships in my life. Most importantly, though, I've been waiting for him to reveal himself to me continually in a deeper way. When he gives me these revelations, all the other issues of waiting are dimmed in light of knowing him more intimately. He has been teaching me, that when my eyes are fixed on the "author and perfecter of my faith" (Hebrews 12:2) then my perspective changes from asking questions of 'why?!' and shift to still ponderings of simply who He is. When I'm shown more of who he is, I find it simple to say "Do to me what you will." After all, his "ways are higher than my ways and his thoughts are higher than my ways" (Isaiah 55:9).

The reality is, for me (and for all people, really) that I have a plan for myself. I have planned in my heart the major thoroughfares my life will proceed down, and I have small daily plans for how I will spend my moments in the here and now. Even when I don't think I'm planning the outcome of my days, I am. I am learning more and more to relinquish my plans, both big and small, for HIS. He 'has a plan for me, a plan to prosper me, not to harm me but to give me a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11) I will find rest for my heart when I stop seeking my plans and acknowledge that 'YOU are God, and I am not. YOU are enough for me, even if you do not fulfill the plans I have for myself.' The beauty, joy, hope, peace, and freedom that is found in surrendering to that truth is irresistible.

Lord, you have promised to be enough for me. I trust you to be faithful in that. That means, that even when my plans fail or are simply left unfulfilled, that you will be enough for me. You will fulfill me. You will give me rest. You will be my place of rest. I praise you for your faithfulness in being enough for me. And I pray that my temptation to find fulfillment outside of you is never greater than the hunger in my heart for simply abiding in you.

Psalm 16:2 "I said to the Lord 'You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.'"

Job 1:21 "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised."

2 Samuel 15:25-26 "Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the Lord's eyes, he will bring me back and let me see his dwelling place again. But if he says 'I am not pleased with you' , then I am ready. Let him do to me whatever he pleases."

STRUGGLING TO HAVE FAITH

Walking daily in faith with the Lord means that I will endure the ups and downs of life. I will endure the ups and downs of relationship with him. Mind you, the ‘downs’ are only a result of my inadequate responses to circumstances in this life. The ‘downs’ don’t reflect his shortcomings but my lack of faith. In those down times, when I am tempted to rely on myself or question the Lord or simply not believe that He will be good to me, I have a choice. I can either continue to stall in faithlessness or I can rest in being reminded of the truth in his promises.

In the slow times of my journey of faith, I am soothed and encouraged by reading the compilation of scriptures below. The Lord has promised over and over again to be enough for me. To be good to me. To be faithful. When I doubt, I trace back over the etchings of his words into my heart. It is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18), and with that being true, these words from him calm the storms of uncertainty in my heart.

I hope they bring you the same peace that they give me. My God is a god of peace. (Ephesians 2:14)

I exalt you and praise your name, for you in perfect faithfulness, have done marvelous things, things planned long ago. You are the God who performs miracles. I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. They do not know the thoughts of the Lord, they do not understand His plan. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever---do not abandon the works of your hand. And after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. [God] acts on behalf of those who wait for him. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished. Wait on the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert, streams in the wasteland. He who began a good work in you will be faithful to carry it to completion.

Whom have I in heaven but you, and earth has nothing I desire besides you. My heart and my flesh may fail, but you are my portion and the strength of my heart forever. One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. I am my beloveds and my beloved is mine. He rescued me because he delighted in me.

Scripture References: Isaiah 25:1, Psalm 77:14, Job 42:2, Micah 4:12, Psalm 138:8, Hebrews 6:15, 2 Peter 3:9, Isaiah 64:4, Luke 1:45, Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 43:18, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Philippians 1:6

Psalm 73:25-26, Psalm 62:11, Song of Songs 6:3, 2 Samuel 22:20