The Waiting Game
January 21, 2010 by MELISSA, MULTI-TASKING MAMA
Filed under Jesus Christ, Thankful Thursday, inspiration
Back in the spring of 2006, God put a strong call on my life. I argued with Him (while crying, laughing and driving down a dangerous stretch of highway). I told Him He definitely had the wrong girl. But, God can be persistent (in case you didn’t know that).
Fast forward three and a half years and I somehow figure I should get out my measuring stick (so to speak)…see how far I’ve come towards that plan.
Of course, I do not measure up to my own expectations.
And then I start saying things like this “I should be farther along with {x, y, z}. If I’m ever going to fulfill this burden on my heart I should at least be at point {j, k, l} by now” and “I knew I was unworthy of this call, God got this one wrong” and “I should be doing more to make this happen” and “what did I do wrong?”
Interestingly enough, the sermon at last night’s midweek service was on Psalm 23. And I learned something I did not know. The valley of the shadow of death referred to in verse 4 translates from the Hebrew into the valley of swirling shadows.
Hmmm, swirling shadows. Could this be shadows such as:
a period or instance of gloom, unhappiness, mistrust, doubt, dissension, or the like, as in friendship or one’s life?
OR
a dominant or pervasive threat, influence, or atmosphere, esp. one causing gloom, fear, doubt, or the like? (definitions courtesy of dictionary.com)
Could it be that the enemy wants me to be surrounded by the swirling shadows of mistrust and doubt?
Could it be that God is leading me through the last three and a half years, not in abandonment of the vision He provided, but in preparation for it?
Is it not in the valleys of life that we stand to learn the most?
So, today I am thankful for the promise of Romans 8 (if you have time read the WHOLE chapter) especially, verses 15, 18-21, 28-31, 37-39.
Exactly what I needed to hear this morning:
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship [or daughter-ship, in my case] and by Him we cry Abba, Father. Romans 8:15
Oh, yes! That is all I need to do- cry out to Him who is with me all the time. The One who is faithful to complete the good work in and through me for His glory (and in His timing). God’s measuring stick does not compute accomplishment or human “doings”. He cares far more that I am leaning on Him throughout the journey.
For more Thankful Thursday posts, click here.
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I been in that Romans passage all week – I can totally relate to you on this!
isn't it a great passage? so much comfort there!
Thank you for posting this today. I needed it.
so glad it encouraged you, Becky!!
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for sharing your thankful heart with us. Romans 8:15 and Psalm 23 are very encouraging. It is very comforting indeed that God is faithful to complete the good work in and through us for His glory. Though we may go through various valley of the shadow of death in this world, we can have the blessed assurance that the Lord is with us and He will deliver us or give us grace to grow through them. Take care and have a blessed day!
Warm regards,
Nancie
so true, Nancie. Thanks for your comment!
May you be extra blessed.
Romans 8 is a wonderful chapter as is the 23rd Psalm. Thank you for sharing this.
Blessings, Joan
What a wonderful post! My Scripture theme verse for last year was I Thessalonians 5:24 which says, “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” Then this year, my theme verse is Isaiah 26:12 which says, “LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.” (NIV) I hope those verses encourage you as they have me.
Also, thanks for your comment on my Thankful Thursday post. My Mom doesn't have a separate blog. She will be posting on my blog each Wednesday where she will be sharing some of her journal entries about her journey with chronic illness.
I hope you're having a wonderful week!
Take care,
Karen
Very enjoyable reading. I did not know that about the 23rd Psalm either. That was the first psalm I learned as a child and have never forgotten it. I was definitely led to your blog tonight. Please write to me as well.
Thank you Denise! Praying for your hubby!
oh, thank you for clarifying that! Look forward to reading her
posts…thanks for your comments and sharing those scriptures!
I sometimes go through questioning phases myself. I think it's normal. But in the end I just keep the faith!
I love your spirit! And look where it has gotten you too, soon to be a mama!
Awesome post. It gives me some things to think about also. Thank you. See you again this week for TT. Hugs, Lynn