Scripture Sunday - Psalm 31:24
Even if it hurts while you're waiting for the Lord to answer, know that He is faithful, and will answer you in some way. It may not be the answer you want, but He will respond somehow. If you are waiting for the Lord, "Be strong, and let your heart take courage," for the Lord is faithful. I know of a couple who wanted more children for a long time, but God didn't give that family another baby for four years. Many people prayed for them. Finally, He gave them a sweet baby. Even though that baby didn't come immediately, God still answered.
God works in mysterious ways. He brings people into your life that you never thought would come into your life. I know that because it has happened in my life. When I switched homeschool groups, I went from a mega group to a micro group. I felt a little alone, like I was a flower plucked out of a vast garden with similar flowers and re-planted into a small dirt patch with a bunch of different flowers. A huge difference between the groups was that there were no girls my age. If you're an older reader, you might say, "Oh, it's not really a big deal." But there were barely any girls around my age, and the ones that were were all younger. I felt unhappy and alone, especially because my best friend had just moved across country. I know friends don't have to be exactly the same, but I had no similar friends. My bestie was gone, and the other girls I knew were in the other homeschool group. On top of that, a lot of the families at church with girls happened to move with the church plant. It was hard. Even with technology and everything, it was difficult to keep up with my other friends.
But even though I didn't pray much about it (which I really should have done), God knew how I felt, and how long I had waited for another sister in Christ, close to my beliefs and my age. Even though it wasn't as soon as I wished, I know God had a special plan and that somehow, being "alone" would help me learn about true friendship. I learned that friends come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. It took a lot of years for me to finally find that friend. She is a strong, godly girl, encouraging and funny. Though she isn't what I thought I was looking for, she is a wonderful friend who challenges me to live like Him, and I thank God for her. Strangely, even though I didn't really "take courage," God still heard my yearning for a close friend. That, my friends, is grace. So the next time you find yourself wondering if God will ever reply to your prayers, "Be strong, and let your heart take courage." God will answer you, whether it be in five minutes, or in five years. He is so gracious, and He will not forget you. He promises.
"Whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." - Matthew 21:22
0 comments: