In the Waiting

by Mark Schumacher
 

Psalms 40: 1-4. “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and more; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.”

Recently, I’ve been in a couple of situations where I knew the answer needed to come from God – I did not have the resources, and needed His direction, patience, wisdom and ability to trust Him for the outcome. Too often in my life, I invite Him into matters where I can really use His help, but I feel I’m able to affect the outcome too.

One of these involved working with my family to address growing challenges with my aging parents – who were still in their home. Kids become parents, parents become dependent on their kids, many tears are shed and fears are realized, and guilt runs high – many of you know all about this experience. Prayers containing heartfelt requests for wisdom, strength, endurance and patience result in needing to trust and wait.

Well, in this matter, a three-year period of searching and waiting on God’s timing (since we started having some extra care in their home) has resulted in a joyous answer – placement in a place that really feels right and meets their needs in special ways. The how we got to this location is a beautifully designed God appointment – and is a story for another time.

As the Psalmist shares…He lifted me up out of despair (mire)…gave me a firm place to stand…put a new song in my mouth (and heart). In verse 4, he shares, “Blessed is the one who makes the Lord his trust.”

I am thankful for God’s answer to my prayers (and the prayers of many of you – the body of Christ is so needed and such a blessing!). We all, no doubt, have experienced answers to prayers quickly sometimes, over a long period of time other times, and many yet to come. God’s timing is always best. It is often easier to see that more clearly when we can look back. My trust and patience in His timing has provided the gift of another victory! Oh Lord, let my heart and mind remember this time, to help me be more consistent in that trust.

About the other situation, well, it’s been over a year with very little answer yet. What does God have planned? It looks like I’ll be working that trust muscle more in the days to come! But really, is there any reason I should doubt His perfect timing? I guess I’ll keep working on the tasks that I should work on while He works in the waiting.

I heard someone share recently, “When it is not God’s timing, you cannot force it. When it is God’s timing, you can’t stop it.” I think I can live with that! How about you? Are you able and willing to allow God to provide the answers and direction you need when He knows it is best?

Dear Lord, Help me to be able to lay the burdens and prayer requests I have at your feet. Please provide me with the patience and strength to trust you – for your perfectly timed answers. I know you love me and care for everything I care about. Thank you for being the Lord of my life, the one fully capable of providing all that I need – when I need it. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.


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