“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Last week, I went with my family on vacation. It was the first week-long vacation we have taken in years. Prior to leaving, life had become hectic. I had become frustrated with several items vying for my attention. And, I knew God had a plan for me, but I wanted the answer NOW, please!
So we packed up and left the winter doldrums of Ohio and landed in sunny Florida. As I treasured the joy of riding the flying Dumbo ride with my five-year-old, I felt my spirit lift as well.
As it invariably does at points, life had gotten hard. Without sharing details, I had been hurting for quite some time. I had lost my faith in some Christians, but not in Christ.
I was reminded once again of His promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 And, as always, I found it to be true.
Our vacation was a celebration. A celebration of my five-year cancer survival. At diagnosis, I was not expected to live past three years. (And here I am, cancer free! Praise God!) I cannot convey how much I treasured that trip with my family, including my parents, my husband, and my children. And even now, tears well up as I recall the wonderment written on my daughter’s face at watching fireworks for the first time. I kept thanking God I was healthy and could both enjoy every minute and have the energy to keep up with everyone!
But something else happened on that trip, which I keep returning to. The sadness which had weighed down my heart for so many months, started to lift. The situation which caused me so much grief was stinky. I did not cause it, but it was there. I could not change it. But, I could change my response to it. It was appropriate to grieve for a while. But just as the Florida sun penetrated through that southern sky, I need to let the Son of God penetrate into my heart.
Jesus still died on the cross for me. Because I accept and treasure that, I will one day live with Him for eternity. This earthly life can be truly difficult, but I need to keep an eternal focus. Keep my eyes fixed on Jesus!
Our teenager daughter and I were talking one night. In that conversation I told her I would never be disappointed in her. I love her! I did also tell her, the only thing she could do to truly sadden me was to turn her back on her faith. I only want for her what God has planned. I instructed her “Keep you focus on Christ.” School, career, God will make it all known in His timing.
Then it hit me, I should listen to my own words! For months, I had continuously prayed the same prayer asking God to clearly show me what to do. Right now, I need to continue to pray, but also to wait patiently, knowing full well, God has it all under control.
A week in the Florida sunshine did me a world of good. But even better, I regained a focus I should not have lost: even in my despair, God is still on His throne. No matter how grim circumstances can appear, God can and does overpower the darkness with His light.
I don’t know what you might be going through, or waiting on today. But rest assured, God has it all together, and will take care of every detail. I often find His answers supersede anything I could have possibly authored!
Reflections:
1) Identify a time in your personal history you could not wait for an answer. How did you respond?
2) Are you waiting on an answer today? How can you better wait with the Lord? How can you surrender those impatient feelings?
3) How can you “take a vacation” from your circumstances at least for a while?
4) Commit Jeremiah 29:11 to memory. “‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
5) Thank God for His faithfulness. Remind yourself that He is there, no matter what. Just as Abraham learned in Genesis chapters 15- 21, God will always keep His promises. We just need to wait on Him.
Thank you for reading! Please return by Monday, March 11, for the next post.