You are hurting.
You are waiting.
You don’t know what to do.
You are too old to start over.
Why can’t this be easier?
A promise wasn’t kept.
A dream you had has a cloud hanging over it.
And the sun is about to set.
Weak and Weary
Girl, I have been there. I have been in the “wait.” When you feel like you are floating about and on the cusp of something wonderful, you can’t grab ahold of it yet.
Could this be you, too?
Have you ever had a dream so big that you know God is in it, but there are so many obstacles in the way? You can’t just get past those obstacles. It seems that one thing after another keeps blocking you, but you know that if you keep pushing and keep praying God will do big things with it. But after months of pushing yourself and praying, you get so, so tired. Maybe you even get so tired that you stop praying because you think God isn’t listening.
Isaiah 41:13 For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear: I will help you.
Maybe this is you?
I have a friend who is in her late 40s. She has cried herself to sleep many nights in recent days because she must embark on a new journey she is not comfortable with. She must seek new employment out of her range of experience or expertise. She has not been on a job interview in over 25 years. She is terrified, to say the least. She never expected things to turn out this way. She is always faithful to her Lord, but she needs a miracle right now. She, too, is weak and weary. However, in our weakness, He loves us. He’s got us. We may not want to push forward; it may stink, but if we just push a little and persevere, He will be on the other side to bless us. James 5:11 says, As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Raise your hand if either of these women have been you.
Raise your hand if you have been tired.
Raise your hand if you have been too weak.
Raise your hand if you are ready to give up.
Friend, we have to be still and wait for our Lord to show up.
Waiting for the Storm to Pass
"If it’s a big deal to you, it's a big deal to God."—Mark Batterson, Author and Lead Pastor of National Community Church
I just love that! As Christians, we sometimes feel ashamed to let God in on our hopes and dreams for our futures. I know I used to feel that way because I thought so many other people needed his help for “real” problems, so I didn’t want to bother Him with what I was dreaming of or what was on my vision board. But friends let me tell you, He is here for it. Just like the prayers that Michelle can go back and circle in her prayer journal that God has brought to life, I can do the same things with the things I have put on my vision boards for me and my family over the years. If I can dream it, He can make it happen if it’s in His will. Mark Batterson, author of The Circle Maker, refers to this in many of his books and sermons, such as Vision Beyond Our Resources. When God shows up, He shows up BIG. You just gotta ask Him! Understanding that God values our concerns as much as we do frees us to live fully and confidently. It encourages us to bring our smallest joys and sorrows before Him, understanding that He listens, He cares, and He acts.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.
Here are a few things to do while you wait:
1. Be Still
Psalm 37:7 Be still in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways when they carry out their wicked schemes.
2 . Keep Working.
Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
3. Keep it to yourself — no need to announce it. Let your ambitions be known only once they have materialized, for some people may not wish you well. (Not everyone has your best interest at heart)
Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
4. Be Grateful.
Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus
Sunrise
5. And Lastly, Keep Praying. There is a saying that goes God won’t answer 100% of the prayers you don’t pray. I remind myself of that a lot. Even when I don’t understand why my prayers are not being answered right now, I still keep praying.
Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
What if it turns out better than you ever thought possible?
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.
Wait for the sun to rise.
Sailing into the sunset, Erica