waiting…

Recently there was something my little 6 yr. old Gracie shared that she was really, really hoping for.  I said, “let’s just start praying about that, God will hear you.”

Five minutes passed.

She came back to me with a sense of urgency in her voice, “Mom, I don’t know if God’s even listening!  I’ve already prayed about it twice and still – nothin’!”

s.m.i.l.e.

It’s hard to be wait!  If you’re like me, you’ve been there, and way more than a few times in life!  Sometimes answers come fast – sometimes they seem greatly delayed according to our “own” timing, but be assured – He does hear you!  And God will always, always answer your prayers.  The answer may come in one of 3 ways – Yes, No, or Yes, but wait.  The first 2 are usually easy for me to accept – “yes” is great, “no” is even OK, because I’m often just seeking His best answers.  But “wait” is just – oh, so difficult at times!  What do you do when the answers don’t come quickly?  3 things that may help as you wait:

1.  As tempting as it may be, don’t rush ahead striving to do things your own way.  It may end up with disastrous results and you’ll end up exhausted.  I know that from personal experience – been on that learning curve!

2.  Examine your own heart in what you’re praying for – are you asking with selfish motives or are you really seeking to bring honor to God in what you request?

3.  Trust that He builds deeper patience and character in us as we “wait” it out.  He will never ignore you.  He loves to give good gifts to His children, even more than you could have imagined!

He knows your heart and has your very best in mind.  He’s got your future safe in His hands.  You can trust Him – fully.

Believe…as you wait.

“Trust in the Lord and do good…delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…”  Psalm 37:3-4, 7