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Learning to Wait on God

Learning to Wait

When Mimi was a baby she signed, which is an excellent way to communicate her needs. Two of my daughters signed (my middle one refused). Our signing girls during infancy/toddlerhood whined less than my middle who refused.

When we woke up in the morning after our good morning kisses, my baby would sign “milk.” I usually reply “Wait” (in sign) at which she began to get anxious. Continually signing milk, waving her arms, kicking her feet. She knows it is coming, but she wants it NOW! Once she gets it, she is satisfied and content.

No Patience

Now, my baby is also a “healthy eater,” horrible sleeper, but more than makes up for it in food consumption. When she was younger she would sign “eat,” and I respond “wait” her reaction is entirely different than when she wants milk.

Mimi would proceed to fall out on the ground and have a tantrum. Crying, yelling, signing till I put her in the high chair and fed her.

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Waiting without God

Waiting without God and waiting with God. I have found similarities with my one-year old’s patience. When I first found Christ, I would wait without God. Praying for things and anxiously waiting for God to answer; similarly to my toddler when I tell her to wait. Sometimes, I would have a full out tantrum because things weren’t happening in my time or how I wanted them.

I can Help God Mentality

Then I progressed in my faith and became like my middle daughter, Lailah. When I tell her to wait for something, she’ll take it upon herself to do it on her own. Calling herself “helping” me out usually ending up in a spill, break or simply a mess. I have “helped’ out God quite a few times resulting in nothing that I wanted or a long messy drawn out way to it.

Waiting with God

As a believer and an adult. I wait differently than I did when I first came into my faith. I have found Scripture to guide me; yet, still, work in progress. I still need to work on my execution.

Similarly to my oldest daughter; when she asks me for something, and I say “wait.” She will wait for a while to come back to me and “remind” or ask me again.  Then, if I still haven’t done it, she will ask if she can help me and wait a little longer.  Thanking me once I execute my task because of our fourteen years together she has gained trust in me and knew that I would get to it when I can.

4 Ways Scriptures Shows us to Wait

Like my relationship with all my daughters; I have learned to wait with God as I have matured in my faith. As I have grown, I have found that I need several things for me to have patience, hope, and trust that the Lord will answer my prayers. I may not like the answer, but I will receive a reply nonetheless in due time.

1. Wait

When waiting with the Lord, you have to have trust and confidence that He will answer you as well as stay close by His side so that you are ready when it is time. (Kind of like my twelve years old)

Psalm 33:20-22 (NIV) 20 We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

This verse to me is a proven process of what is needed to wait for the Lord.

2. Help

I look to God for his help in trouble instead of offering my “help.”

Psalm 46:1(NIV) God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.

3.  Rejoice

Instead of fretting; I rejoice no matter what. I am grateful to turn to and to help me in need. I just need to come to Him, be grateful to Him and wait for Him to take action.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

4.  Trust

Something that I learned and continued to grow in is trusting in the Lord.  How He does things because it’s usually different from my own but always so much better than anything that I could do for myself.

Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

waiting

What helps you get through the waiting phase?

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Faith & Self Care

God is still good.

God is still good.

This has been a whirlwind experience for the last few weeks. Something we could relate to things we read in history classes or experiences our older family members have told us.  Now its something that one day we will recount for ourselves.  This is week 3 for me of being self-quarantined and yesterday I think my anxiety began to get the best of me. Then I was reminded as soon as woke up this morning that God is still good.  No matter what the circumstances look like He is faithful and answers prayers.  “From the big to the small He listens to them all” and He answers them in His own way.

The Power of Prayer

A little over a week ago, I received a message that a dear friend of mine was in a medically induced coma from complications from the COVID 19.  I immediately began praying for this woman of worship to be spared and to use this for HIs glory.  She sings praise and worship at our Church.  My friend is the bubbliest, kind-hearted, transparent and cheerful woman.  I look forward to her pinch and greeting every Sunday as she exits the stage from singing worship and praise.  God is still good. Despite the intubation, COVID 19. My friend is well.  My prayers were answered. I spoke to her today and she shared with me her call to share her testimony.  God is still good.

Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication; And let them say continually, “The LORD be magnified, Who delights in the prosperity of His servant. Psalm 35:27

I was an Unbeliever

For some, it may be hard to believe in God, or believe that He is still good when you are looking at your current circumstances.  When you’re counting your blessings it’s a different vision. When you’re seeing that someone is working for your good on the things that you can’t control.  That someone our God wants more for you than you can even imagine. For many years I intentionally did not know the Lord.  I had no interest in hearing about Him and I lived life on my terms. Until I couldn’t run it on my own any longer.  Through my circumstances, I turned to Jesus and I haven’t turned back.  I’ve misstepped, fallen from grace way too many times but I know there is an unconditional Iove I get with Jesus.

 

 

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My Faith has changed me

Beats the conditions that people place on you daily.  There is no grace for missteps, there is no forgiveness for falls from grace.  The judgment that I thought God was placing on me was the torment that the world has shown me.  I still have a hard time trusting people but I place all my trust in Jesus. Even if life doesn’t reflect what I want to see at the moment.  Just like my weight loss journey I have been on both sides fat and fit.  In my faith journey, I have traveled both rides unfaithful and faithful.  And I can tell you that life without the hope in Jesus is a struggle and dark place. Every day our world is changing but I know it is my faith that believes this is all for my good.  That we will come out better than we started and yep, God is still good.

Coping with Mental Health

I can’t imagine mentally where I would be if I didn’t have the peace and comfort I have in my faith. That I  know despite what I see today that God is still good, He is always acting on my behalf and when this is all said and done His glory will be shown.  My only hope that during this time of darkness, disparity, anxiety, and angst that I can be a Light leading to Him.  So, I hope that this message comes to you to encourage you. Since my renewed faith I still have moments of worry but the more I pray the less I worry.  Anxiety is worrying about things you can’t control and COVID-19 is uncontrollable.  That is why it has led to daily changes in procedure, protocol, and our lifestyles.  If everything keeps changing anxiety ensues.  That’s why I think I find so much peace in my faith it remains, unwavering, and unchanging.  Something foundational or solid to hold on during times of uncertainty.

Be Still and Catch Up

We have no idea what tomorrow brings but remember God is still good.  If you do not know God. He doesn’t care who you are? What you’ve done? He already knows everything about you. Despite all that you see is wrong, regardless of our brokenness, wrongful deeds, awful thoughts. Jesus died for you even knowing that there will be some who will never accept Him. Now more than ever if you have no hope, maybe get to know Jesus a little more.  If it’s been a while, like I was, He’s been waiting to catch up.  If you always believed and followed now more than ever we need you, Sis, to pray for our world, pray for our leaders and pray for our lost.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuturonomy 31:6

How I am helping during COVID-19

We are called to be a Light when it’s dark. It’s time to rise up soldiers!  I pray during this time that you be well and be still.  During these times if you feel that you cannot help because you have to stay inside know that there is power in prayer.  This is also a great time to work on our first ministries, our families.  I’m going to be hanging with my peeps which I am blessed to enjoy their company. Let’s strengthen our bonds, hide the word in our children’s heart and restore the balance of work and play.  Let’s love on one another, and cling to God for provision.  We can come out of this stronger with God who gives us our strength.

 

Every day I am praying for this world I hope you will join me. Be well, be blessed and be safe.  God is still good.

How are you doing? How can I pray for you?

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Faith Journey

Finally Listening

FaithFueled Friday

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me

Not alone

Last year, I had a dinner with women from different Christian denomination and social, cultural backgrounds, we discussed a variety of things but the but the topic of God speaking to the women. Each woman was in different milestones of their faith journey.  Some for decades others (or maybe just me) were only a few years, but each interaction with God was personal and specific. God didn’t speak with each of us the same way; the method was all different event the tone. I being one of the newbies (not walking in the Lord as long as the other women), was fascinated.  I wasn’t the only one who thought I heard God.

Not the First Time

This wasn’t my first time being aware of God communicating to me.  Early in my faith journey, women in my bible study I would talk about it, and it made me think of my experiences. Until that dinner, I only had three divine communications of God speaking to me. As I thought about it more, God is directing me almost daily. Now that I have been truly listening to Him I am finding that He is answering my prayers and guiding me, I just haven’t been listening because my mind has been clutter with other things.

IFGatheringSept

 

John 8:47 (ESV) Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

Discovering what was always there

I find it funny because the years I was lost in the world and trials would come I would go to prayer. Some would consider that good but the only time I would pray is when things went wrong. My relationship with God was not a daily conversation admiring and praising His work, praying for others and sometimes my request. I was placing my order on how I wanted Him to fix my life. Only calling on him when I needed or wanted something and was in complete desperation. Even then when I had no adoration, God was still leading and guiding me. Whispering just small enough for me to hear but I wasn’t interested and never paid attention.

Guidance I can use
Now the advice is different; it’s not conversational, but I am hearing Him more and more, and I don’t know because I am listening more or because our relationship has grown that He speaks to me more. It makes me think, has he been there all along? When I ask Him to have discernment, to make right decisions, to honor and serve Him, is He now answering? Has He been the entire time, right there as I ignored Him, still not sure and no, he hasn’t told me? Like I said, I am not having full out conversations with God. I am deep in prayer more often these days than I used to be, and I am in the Word daily, but I am not sitting around sipping tea and chatting with God.

 

listening

Acts 22:14 (ESV) And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth;

How do I hear God?

Before I was consciously seeking His voice, God would have to shout at me to get my attention. Like a mother, warning their child from danger. (Sometimes He still does, but I am getting better). As of lately, He can just talk to me. Do I hear voices? Yes, but it’s consistently the same voice every time, so I hear a voice. It’s usually different from my inner thoughts, often interrupting my on-going unceasing mental to-do list and very efficient and to the point. It’s never been a lengthy explanation more like wisely commanding (and not to do bad things usually directional so I have ruled it out as insanity.) This post is also not a confession of my speculation of some mental illness. I feel like it is God answering my prayers and guiding me.

For months, I kept hearing the same thing during my usual ongoing mind chatter of daily to-do’s; “be still.” Although I would hear it, I intentionally would ignore it for nine months until I was forced to be still. Life circumstances kicked my legs from underneath me and sat me down for a few months. Every time I would get up I’d get knocked back down until I realized, “maybe I should be still.” That’s where I began to get to the place I am today. Staying in God’s word, eliminating outside noise (not all of it that is a daily struggle) and being conscious of God’s direction. (Which I am still trying to “Be still” and again getting better at it but still have not mastered it.)

How often do I hear Him?

Hebrews 2:1 (ESV) Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

Now, I hear him more frequently and sometimes it is nice because it gives me and idea of what to do next, how to handle a situation and then sometimes it’s not so helpful because it can be something that I do not want to do. His shouting is less often, and my obedience is getting better, but this ongoing relationship is not completely perfected. I think God’s okay with that (although he hasn’t told me) but He loves me unconditional and has the patience of grace like no other, and I am grateful for that.

How does God lead you in situations? Signs, clues, words, inspiration? It’s fascinating how he communicates to each of us differently.

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christianity Faith Journey new christians

Closing the Gap

closethegaps

So, I accepted Jesus, now what?

When you become a believer there is a gap between the world and Christ. I have always known Christ. I knew He was a higher power and when you were really strapped and your back was against the wall it wouldn’t hurt to send a little prayer of “fix it Jesus” to help you. I didn’t realize that He was so much more. His grace, mercy, love, predetermination, protections, guidance, motivation, power, glory and fulfillment; still that doesn’t even describe the character of who God truly is there is so much more.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry, witchcraft; hatred, discord jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like I warn you, as I did before that those who live like this will no inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 4:19-21

Getting rid of worldly views

I was raised and taught of a condemning God who was jealous and vengeful. A God with such high standards of how to live that, we as sinners will never achieve them. I gave up and took the easy road and found comfortable discomfort in the world. Where the standard was so low that it was easy to excel and achieve. That is how we do it in the world, “dog eat dog”, “every man for himself,” “one up” the next person, turn off their light so yours can shine brighter. Honestly at the end of the day there is no fulfillment in living like that. There is no dollar, house, car, or anything that can replace happiness, joy and unconditional love.

Then one day, back against the wall I came to God again to “fix it Jesus” but this time it was different. I wasn’t coming from that flawed mentality that I had of “what can Jesus do for me?” Again, limiting His power and my own faith tremendously. I was coming from a broken person who had achieve worldly success, figured out a way to earn cash fast but still wanting something more.

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the rule of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.  All of us lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.  But because of his great love for us  God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:1-5
newbeliever

What is a “New Believer”?

Then I accepted Jesus as my Savior, what did that mean? I accepted that Jesus had adopted me as His daughter and gave me the privilege of inheriting His kingdom.  That took me a lot to accept, you mean “I am in the will just for being me? And being grateful for Jesus for sacrificing His life for me, (like enduring grueling pain, ridicule, torture, being nailed to a cross and left to die, for me?) How can you not be grateful and thankful? I know some are but I guess since I am on the other side of that fence I find it really hard to understand at this point. Yet, to think that I once was there and I don’t know if I didn’t accept it because it seemed unfathomable or I didn’t accept it because I felt undeserving but either way it happened and I am thankful because I don’t know anyone who would take that bullet for me or bear that cross. With that same mentality of “who would do that for me?” I tried to navigate this faith journey all by myself. At least I tried to at first.

In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will- to the praise of His glorious grace, when he has freely given us in the One he loves. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. Ephesians 1:5-7

Initially I was going it “alone” I was going to do and say all the right things because I was a Christian by name only but my heart wasn’t truly convicted yet, I don’t know if it was a lack of understanding of what it truly meant or an inaccurate definition but needless to say it was flawed. It was missing the most essential component and that was God’s direction.

The Lord makes firms the steps of the one who delights in him though he may stumble he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.  Psalms 37:23-24

Doing things alone is a bad idea

Seeking to conquer my journey the only way I knew how, alone, by myself and forging ahead all on my own. Again, flawed and hindsight is 20/20, right? Looking back I was clearly in a transitional phase into where I wanted to be and where I am today.  Going it alone made me realize that A) I don’t have the stamina, training or knowledge to do it myself and B) that is not what this “Christian” thing is about, we are meant to lean on God.  I truly wish that my Church had a mentorship program for new Christians, I know they exist but I haven’t been privy to that. So, I accepted Jesus as my Savior got baptized and then was set free to roam. Thank God for His grace and love because once I realize I need to lean on Him and seek His guidance it became clear my path. When we go it alone we fail miserably and through my failure it introduced me to God. It gave me the yearning to have an active daily ongoing relationship in my life.  He led me to the people that I needed to continue me on the path to maturity in Christ.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

figuringitout

How did I figure it out?

What was the path? Who were the people? The answer: Christ and His believers and I found them in the unlikeliest of places. I pray every day for God to surround me with Christian people who love me unconditionally and support me. Who can help me grow and get to know Him better? Through this prayer I have found people who have taught me how to study the Bible. I have found the Bible, the ultimate Study Guide, Instruction Manual, devotional. I was reading books, devotionals, online studies and they are all great supplements to God’s word but the power of His word is indescribable. I am so much closer, dependent and strengthened through my relationship with Christ.

closethegap

 

4 Ways to Close the Gap

So, I accepted Jesus now what?

  1. Praise Him every day-no matter good or bad. If something good happens-praise Him and celebrate; If something bad happens-praise Him and grow.
  2. Come to Him in prayer-It’s the best and easiest way to reach Him at any time, use it!
  3. Trust in His Word-God cannot lie and His word is infallible
  4. Rejoice always and give thanks always– for all that He does and let Him do the rest.

It doesn’t matter how big the gap is as long as I seek Him, he will close it.  What have you done to build a relationship with Christ?

 

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