Waiting Follow Up

So I've been thinking about my last post, and I've decided that the follow up post needs to be about what if God never answers our prayers in the way that we want?  What then?  What do we believe about Him then?  And really just to bookmark/archive this so that I can always remember and come back to it, I am posting here two different sermons I have listened to recently about waiting, wandering, and discerning prayer.  If you have the time, please listen!  The first one is from my personal pastor, who is amazing!  And the second is from another pastor in our area who is also amazing!

1. http://www.raymondroad.com/messages

Listen to the message from Feb 15, 2015, "What To Do When Wandering"



2. http://pinelake.org/media-resources/sermons/ministering-to-the-lord/

Here is the one from my friend's pastor.  Thank you, Beth!

Waiting

I'm sure you thought we moved to a new planet with no internet.  I'm so sorry to have skipped over the end of the year holidays and five months of time!  We had a very blessed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years as a family of four!  We have been busy with parties, illnesses, work, school, and everyday life.

I have been wanting to write this post for probably a month now.  The truth it there's just not much to say.  I am waiting.

But those 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

Not much has changed over these past five months.  Sure, we have an almost 4 year old and an almost 1 year old (ahhh!!!) and they change and grow and learn every day.  They teach me so much and are truly my greatest joy in life.  I'm so thankful God chose me to be a mother!

But I say I'm waiting because I am waiting on God to answer my prayer.  I am waiting for Him to give Grace the ability to walk!

She has made a lot of progress over the past four months.  She is balancing a lot better and has gained a lot more confidence in standing and walking with help.  But as you recall I prayed/begged/pleaded with God to allow Grace to walk by Christmas.  And that prayer wasn't answered.

And I've been wondering why.  Am I not doing my part?  Am I not praying enough?  Do I not have enough faith?  Am I trying to manipulate God?  Do Grace and I work enough?  What is it that God is trying to teach me in the waiting?

I feel Him telling me to wait and be still.  Slow down and be quiet.  He is whispering - I am here.

I pray that He gives Grace and me the strength and endurance we need in the waiting.  The positive attitude to never give up.  Why, Lord, are we waiting?

I don't know why God is moving my hand to write today, but maybe you are waiting too.  What is it that you are waiting on that God just hasn't yet answered in the way you hope?

Are you waiting on healing?  Been there.  What about moving a heart to salvation?  Are you waiting on Him to lift you out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire?  For Him to break the power of addiction?  Waiting on Him to redeem or restore?  Waiting to feel Him and His presence in the every day?  Waiting to no longer feel alone?  Waiting on a positive test?  Or a partner to join with in this life?  Waiting on Him to fulfill?

God is speaking to me and now I hope to you and saying --- you are not alone.  Child, listen, you are not alone.

He is here.  He is with you.  He will never leave you.  He is here in the waiting.

I am loving Kari Jobe's song I Am Not Alone right now.  It is my song in this season.  In deep waters and in the fire, I will not be overcome.  Lord you fight my every battle, and I will not fear!  You're my strength and my defender.  Through these trials you've always been faithful.  I'm so thankful for these promises and words of truth!

I want to use my time of waiting wisely.  I want to learn.  Oh Lord, teach me!

I have seen you in the sanctuary, Lord.  I have beheld your power and your glory.  I trust you!

I am not alone.  You are here.  Emmanuel.  Amen.