Remembered

Remembered

Genesis 30: ²² Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. ²³ And she conceived and bore a son, and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” ²⁴ So she called his name Joseph, and said, “The Lord shall add to me another son.”

 

============

 

After eleven children were born through Jacob, Rachel finally had a child. She named him Joseph, meaning GOD will add.

 

My Observations:

• Rachel was most loved and desired by Jacob, but was barren for at least eleven years.
• Rachel probably used the mandrakes she got when she bargained with Leah, but they did not work as she expected.
• GOD knows everything, so remembering Rachel probably means, turned back to, or returned to her story.

 

After waiting at least eleven years, possibly fourteen, Rachel finally had a child. Her barren condition was supernatural. She recognized GOD’s hand in the birth, so she praised GOD by saying “GOD has taken away my reproach.”

 

She probably felt like GOD was mad at her, or wanted to embarrass her for some reason. When she married Jacob, she may have had many conversations about GOD’s statement of Jacob being the father of many nations. But over time, this seemed like a pipedream to her.

 

 

Rachel saw that everyone else had children but her. Three women had children by Jacob and she may have felt left out. BUT GOD had a plan for her that she did not know. She would give birth after years and years of trying. It was GOD’s timing that she was shown.

 

Challenge:

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Rachel’s statements?
• Have you been promised something by GOD and it is taking longer than you thought?
• Will you ask GOD for patience, perseverance and persistence to keep going, despite the obstacles?

Waiting Coming to an End

Waiting Coming to an End

Genesis 8: Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided. ² The fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven were also stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained. ³ And the waters receded continually from the earth. At the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters decreased. ⁴ Then the ark rested in the seventh month, the seventeenth day of the month, on the mountains of Ararat. ⁵ And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month. In the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen.

 

============

 

Noah and his family were probably terrified on the first day of the rain. It had never rained before and the first time it did, floodwaters came and rose the ark up high. Waves crashed and the ark was thrown around. “Where is GOD?” they probably wondered. Sleep was minimal for a while, but they may have gotten used to the waves and the rain.

 

But one day the rain stopped. “Is it over?” they may have rejoiced. They did not know another one hundred and fifty days would pass before the waters receded enough for the ark to rest. They thought they were forgotten.

 

My Observations:

• GOD did not forget Noah and his family, but Noah thought GOD had forgotten him.
• Noah was very used to walking with the LORD, so any number of days away from HIS conversations felt like being abandoned.
• Activity that Noah could see, felt like GOD had returned, BUT GOD never left.

 

All knowing and all seeing are qualities of GOD that says HE cannot forget or lose track of us. But sometimes it seems like GOD has forgotten HIS plan or promises for us. The waves of life toss us around, just like the ark. Meanwhile, the ark was kept whole. Humans, animals and insects were kept safe. Life was sustained. Noah finally saw some activity that he wanted to see. GOD made it rain and HE made it stop raining. HE saved mankind as promised.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the timing of events?
• Have you ever received a promise from GOD that seems to be taking longer than you thought?
• Can you remain faithful to GOD even though HIS plan for you is still in progress?

Until

Until

Revelation 6: ⁹ Then the Lamb broke open the fifth seal. I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed because they had proclaimed God's word and had been faithful in their witnessing. ¹⁰ They shouted in a loud voice, “Almighty Lord, holy and true! How long will it be until you judge the people on earth and punish them for killing us?” ¹¹ Each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to rest a little while longer, until the complete number of other servants and believers were killed, as they had been.

 

============

 

Waiting to go have some fun, I looked at the time and wondered why we hadn’t left. “We are waiting on the rest of the people to get here before we leave” was the statement I did not want to hear.

 

• I wanted to go have some fun right then and there.
• I wanted to start the enjoyment.
• I could not resolve waiting on people who I had no idea when they would arrive.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, witnessed the fifth seal being broken open by the LAMB. This time he saw the souls of people who had been killed because they proclaimed GOD’s word and were faithful in their witnessing. “How long?” was the question, not of impatience, but possibly out of weariness.

 

My Observations:

• Persecution from the world can make believers of CHRIST weary.
• GOD is protecting those who have been persecuted because of their belief in JESUS.
• GOD has extreme mercy, so HE is waiting until the last person who will believe in JESUS to be saved, before HE pours out HIS judgment.

 

When will all of this be resolved? Is my question I ask GOD. I mean, I know HE is sovereign, so asking “why?” will usually be met with silence. But asking “How long?” is a question that aligns me to HIS will, knowing HE can and will take care of the mess the world is in.

 

GOD sees and cares, despite our disbelief. HE knows who belongs to HIM and who will persecute HIS believers. HE is not concerned about death because it does not stop HIM from having an eternal relationship with you and me. How long? Until we find the last person to be saved.

 

Challenge

• What conversation is the writer listening in on?
• Have you ever thought that GOD is not in control because of all the things going on in the world?
• Will you place your trust in GOD, because HE knows what is going on and is in total control of your situation today?

Patient Endurance

Patient Endurance

James 5: ⁹ Do not complain against one another, my friends, so that God will not judge you. The Judge is near, ready to appear. ¹⁰ My friends, remember the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Take them as examples of patient endurance under suffering. ¹¹ We call them happy because they endured. You have heard of Job's patience, and you know how the Lord provided for him in the end. For the Lord is full of mercy and compassion.

 

============

 

Going through difficult times, I just wanted some relief. I went out with people and it felt good for a couple of hours, but then I had to face my problems. After a while, going out was no longer effective.

 

• I thought I could “fun” my way out of my problems.
• I thought I could “enjoy” my way out of my circumstances.
• I thought I could “entertain” my way out of my situation.

 

James starts off by providing a solution before giving the problem. He warns everyone about complaining against one another. This was a great solution, but what was the problem? Perhaps the people were going through difficulties and the advice other people were giving was to “complain.” Job’s friends gave this same kind of advice, but Job did not complain, rather he endured with patience.

 

My Observations:

• I do not like suffering, BUT GOD helps me endure so HE can grow my faith.
• I do not like life’s pain, BUT GOD has a plan that includes whatever I will go through.
• I do not like to be hurt, BUT GOD comforts me when life brings on tremendous amounts of it.

 

Hurt, pain and suffering are things I want to avoid. I mean who wants to suffer? No one! BUT GOD knows the suffering I must endure because HE gave mankind free will. This gift may cause me to make decisions that can harm me or others. It also allows others to do the same. What can help this difficult set up? GOD.

 

HE provides the COMFORTER to go through the situations with us. HE feels the pain and knows what anguish I may face. HE then does something better. HE increases my faith in GOD as HE takes me through each circumstance, not around them. I am glad GOD grows me to patiently endure.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer start of by warning people about complaining about one another?
• Have you ever suffered and got tired?
• Will you ask GOD to help you through this period of suffering, knowing HIS plan for you is not complete, rather HE has some wonderful things in store for you?

Patiently Waiting

Patiently Waiting

Hebrews 9: ²³ Those things, which are copies of the heavenly originals, had to be purified in that way. But the heavenly things themselves require much better sacrifices. ²⁴ For Christ did not go into a Holy Place made by human hands, which was a copy of the real one. He went into heaven itself, where he now appears on our behalf in the presence of God. ²⁵ The Jewish high priest goes into the Most Holy Place every year with the blood of an animal. But Christ did not go in to offer himself many times, ²⁶ for then he would have had to suffer many times ever since the creation of the world. Instead, now when all ages of time are nearing the end, he has appeared once and for all, to remove sin through the sacrifice of himself. ²⁷ Everyone must die once, and after that be judged by God. ²⁸ In the same manner Christ also was offered in sacrifice once to take away the sins of many. He will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are waiting for him.

 

============

 

Craning my neck, I looked for a bus. I did not see the distinctive headlights shining off in the distance, so I decided to walk. “I bet I could beat the bus” I said to myself. Far into my trip I saw a but coming. I ran to the nearest stop, but the bus passed me. It was full. I kept walking and another bus did the same. I missed two busses!

 

• I could have had a seat on the bus.
• I did not want to wait because I could not see anything coming.
• I thought I could take matters in my own hands, but found myself worse off.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, continues his discussion about sacrifices. One sacrifice that humans performed was a copy of “the real thing.” Humans would need to die for sins, but instead, they used animals. JESUS, on the other hand, used HIMSELF as the perfect sacrifice. HE did all this for those who “wait” on HIM.

 

My Observations:

• I sometimes forget that life is all about CHRIST trying to redeem me.
• I get lost by focusing on the day to day problems, so I take matters into my own hands.
• When I wait on the LORD, I can still live life, but in a way that knows HE can return any minute.
• Knowing JESUS will return, changes some of my decisions to take matters into my own hands.

 

Wait on the LORD is sometimes confusing to me. I mean, should I do something or do nothing? I believe it means live life as if HE can return any moment. I ask myself, “What would I like to be caught doing when HE returns?” Obviously, I would Like to be doing something HE would prefer.

 

JESUS will return to save those who are waiting on HIM. Every step taken should be towards HIM, not away. All the activity done on earth that points to HIS return is a form of waiting. I gladly wait on HIM and hope HE finds me serving who HE wants me to serve.

 

Challenge

• What “copy” is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever lost your patience and tried to take matters into your own hands?
• Will you ask GOD for guidance in your activities, so HE will help you prepare for HIS return someday?

While Waiting

While Waiting

Titus 2: ¹¹ For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all people. ¹² That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world, ¹³ as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ will appear. ¹⁴ He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good.

¹⁵ Teach these things and use your full authority as you encourage and rebuke your hearers. Let none of them look down on you.

 

============

 

Looking at the clock, I noticed that I still had hours remaining before I could leave. I was bored and it was bright and sunny outside. I stared out the window for a moment, hoping that time had sped up miraculously. I looked at the clock again and only a few minutes passed. “This is taking forever!” I thought to myself.

 

• I wanted to be done with what I was doing.
• I was getting impatient, because I had “nothing” to do.
• It seemed like time had slowed down because I wanted something different to happen.

 

Paul spoke about the revelation of JESUS and HIS power to provide salvation to all who believe in HIM. He provides words of hope that someday JESUS will appear again. But until then, “grace instructs us” to live a life that is pleasing to GOD.

 

My Observations

• Even though I am not seeing something happening, doesn’t mean GOD is not working.
• Abundant life happens when I live for GOD the way HE wants me to.
• GOD has plenty for me to do while I wait on JESUS to return.

 

Waiting on the LORD is difficult, especially for the impatient. I mean, HE did not give a day or time when HE is coming back. This makes it feel like the hours pass by slower and slower as I wait for the LORD to end all problems, pains and trials. BUT GOD has a remedy for my impatience and boredom.

 

HE gives me tasks to seek HIS kingdom in preparation for the return of our LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST. HE wants me to live a life that not only pleases HIM, but draws people back to HIM. The world has appeal in ways that draw people away from HIM and HE wants all to be saved. I gladly give my time to the LORD and I patiently wait on HIM by doing HIS work.

 

Challenge

• What “Day” does the writer speak of?
• Have you ever waited on something and it seemed like it would take forever to arrive?
• Will you seek GOD’s Kingdom and give your life to HIM so HE will give you tasks to serve HIM with abundant life while you wait on HIS return?

Patient Hope

 

Patient Hope

Romans 8: ²² For we know that up to the present time all of creation groans with pain, like the pain of childbirth. ²³ But it is not just creation alone which groans; we who have the Spirit as the first of God's gifts also groan within ourselves as we wait for God to make us his children and set our whole being free. ²⁴ For it was by hope that we were saved; but if we see what we hope for, then it is not really hope. For who of us hopes for something we see? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

 

============

 

Standing out in the snow, I leaned my head in the street. There was a certain headlight I was looking for that would bring me comfort. I was waiting on a bus and it seemed like it would never come. I knew it was on its way, but I looked for those headlights, as if to will the bus to come faster. The snow came down harder and I simply had to wait.

 

• There have been many times when I hoped for something to arrive a little faster.
• There have been many times when I knew something was on its way, but I could not see it.
• There have been many times when I felt miserable waiting, yet I could not do anything else.

 

Paul switches from creation to humans in his explanation of how everyone and everything is waiting on GOD to reveal HIS children. He says “We who have the Spirit as the first of God's gifts also groan within ourselves as we wait for God to make us his children and set our whole being free.” He then explains that it was hope that saved us and it is hope that will keep us waiting in patience.

 

• GOD gives me patience by believing HE has the situation taken care of.
• GOD provides for me when I cannot see what I am looking for.
• GOD delivers me out of the darkness, even though I sometimes feel like I am stumbling.

 

“Wait on the LORD” are some tough words to swallow. I mean, cant HE just come back and get all this over with? GOD wants the full number of those who will believe in JESUS to be accounted for. Since we are all still here, I have to patiently wait.

 

GOD is gracious in my waiting. HE gives me purpose to reach those who HE sends me to so they can be added to that number. I cannot make JESUS return any faster, but I can serve HIM with hope and patience until HE does.

 

• Are you weary from waiting?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Will you place your hope in JESUS and stop looking at the current situation that GOD has already taken care of?

Eager Longing

 

Eager Longing

Romans 8: ¹⁸ I consider that what we suffer at this present time cannot be compared at all with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. ¹⁹ All of creation waits with eager longing for God to reveal his children. ²⁰ For creation was condemned to lose its purpose, not of its own will, but because God willed it to be so. Yet there was the hope ²¹ that creation itself would one day be set free from its slavery to decay and would share the glorious freedom of the children of God.

 

============

 

“Did the mail come?’ I asked. I checked the mailbox but it was empty. I had heard from a friend that he was accepted into the one college I applied to. “Yes, but there was no mail for you” was the disappointing reply. I had to keep waiting and hoping.

 

• Many times I waited on something I really wanted.
• Many times I hoped for the future.
• Many times I eagerly longed for the thing, I thought, would provide me with purpose.

 

Paul explains that glory from GOD is far better than the suffering humans face on earth. He then talks about all of creation waiting for GOD to reveal HIS children. The stars that shine so brightly above, wait on GOD to reveal who really love HIM. Even the planets are tired of decay and long for GOD to set them free. Human creations wait with this same longing.

 

• GOD wants me to understand that HE is worth waiting for.
• GOD wants me to know HE has a purpose for me.
• GOD wants me to believe HE has set me free.

 

“How long?” is the question to GOD. This question is a longing to be with HIM for eternity, yet accepting the current state of suffering through life. I mean, GOD still has a purpose for me even though I wait eagerly on JESUS to return.

 

GOD gave me hope by placing the HOLY SPIRIT inside me and inside those who believe in JESUS as Savior. HE will one day reveal, to all of creation, who chose HIM and HE chose. I eagerly wait and hope for GOD’s deliverance.

 

• Did GOD promise you something and you are waiting for HIM to deliver it?
• Does it seem like it is taking forever for GOD to fulfill HIS purpose in you?
• Will you gain peace today, knowing GOD loves you and has chosen you to be HIS child and will one day reveal you to all of creation?

Adversity Cheer

Adversity Cheer

Acts 5: ⁴⁰ And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. ⁴¹ So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. ⁴² And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

============

“You” the chooser said as they pointed at me. I could not believe it. I was chosen early to participate by the star. The game required a lot of running and catching people and I was scrawny. “Go” someone shouted to start the festivities.

I caught someone immediately but this person was pretty strong and flung me to the asphalt. I hit my head and started bleeding, a little. I got up and my teammates cheered. Wanting to cry, I grimaced and then smiled. What a delightful game.

• Some pain doesn’t feel as painful when I am on the right side.
• Some pain feels worth it when I am on the winning side.
• Some pain seems like it will not go away, but bearable because I’m on the side that has the glory.

The church leaders had the apostles beaten thinking this would discourage them. But something very different happened. The apostles cheered, rejoicing they were associated with CHRIST and worthy of suffering because of HIM. They knew everything JESUS said would come true.

• GOD wants me to know HE loves me dearly.
• GOD wants me to understand that adversity comes from the enemy, who tries to make me blame GOD.
• GOD wants me to use wisdom and face adversity with cheer, knowing JESUS has already won.

Being beaten feels horrible. In fact, all pain is not welcome. BUT GOD shows me a different way to look at some pain. When the pain is caused because I am standing firm for JESUS, it feels more like honor. It almost feels like GOD is cheering when I get back up and not blame HIM but rejoice that I went through a little of what JESUS went through.

GOD wants my comfort. HE sent the COMFORTER to live inside of me. HE also knows there is a real and active spiritual battle that happens daily. JESUS has already won the war. I am grateful to be in the battles that are HIS.

• Are you going through something?
• Do you feel like you have been beat up because of your belief in JESUS?
• It may be hard, but will you rejoice, knowing GOD sees you and hears you and is cheering because you got back up and stood firm for HIM?

Not When But What

Not When But What

Acts 1: ⁴ And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; ⁵ for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” ⁶ Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷ And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. ⁸ But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

============

Looking at the clock I dreaded the displayed time. “Will we ever get out of school?” I said to myself. I looked back at the clock and only two minutes had passed. Another time, I glanced at a timeclock. “Will I ever get off work?” I said to myself. The smoke filled bowling alley had gotten on my nerves and I wanted to be home.

• Many times I have been impatient.
• Many times I wanted everything to be corrected right then and there.
• Many times I wanted to be delivered from a circumstance because the situation had gone on for years, with no end in sight.

JESUS explains “what” will happen, but the people wanted to know “when.” HE then says ““It is not for you to know times or seasons which the FATHER has put in HIS own authority.” He then gives them more of a glimpse into “what” they should be focused on.

• GOD wants me to focus on what HE wants me to do.
• GOD wants me to be prepared to speak about HIM at all times.
• GOD wants me to be a witness to HIM wherever HE sends me.

“Wait for the Promise of the FATHER” are words that are sometimes hard to grasp. BUT GOD gives me something else to focus on. HE sends me to HIS harvest, which is plentiful, and gives me plenty to do. Since many of HIS promises can take several human lifetimes, HE wants me to focus on “what” HE wants me to do with HIS kingdom.

GOD guides me to those HE seeks and only I can reach. HE sends many to do the same. “Wait on the LORD” are words I accept and while I’m waiting, I will praise HIM.

• Are you waiting on GOD?
• Have you been waiting on HIM for years or even decades?”
• Will you focus your attention on “what” HE wants you to do so you can take your mind off of “when” HE will deliver you or those you have been praying for?

Delivering Celebration

Luke 1: ⁵⁷ Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. ⁵⁸ When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

============

“Look… I can walk!” were my words of joy. I was excited because I could not say the same weeks prior due to being laid up on the couch with an injury. The LORD healed me and I was elated to be able to do something so basic.

• When I get through the storm I feel excited.
• When I get healed I feel relieved.
• When I get delivered I feel free.

Elizabeth had given up on the dream of having children years before the announcement, yet somehow she wasn’t bitter at GOD. HE found favor in her unlike the bitter desert people Moses delivered, who complained about their situation daily. GOD delivered her mercy and she delivered a prophet.

• GOD wants me to have patience when I am going through the storm.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM during the storm.
• GOD wants me to increase my excitement for HIM during the storm.

The longer the trial, the bigger the delivery. No other woman in Elizabeth’s neighborhood was praised like her, because their deliveries were common. GOD takes me through some uncommon trials too. HE uses difficult situations to bring delivery for HIS people.

HIS SON suffered a great deal and was blamed for every one of my sins. GOD delivered me from eternal separation from HIM and for that I am truly grateful.

• Are you going through an extended trial?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Can you replace any bitterness you have and replace it with praise for GOD today?

Anticipation

Mark 15: ⁴² Now when evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, ⁴³ Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. ⁴⁴ Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. ⁴⁵ So when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. ⁴⁶ Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. ⁴⁷ And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses observed where He was laid.

============

“Is the mail here?” I asked again. I was waiting to get a prize of a free kite from sending in some huge number of box tops from the cereal I had been eating. One day there was a box with my name on it. I had not received much mail in my life, let alone to have a “box” addressed to me from a company!  I hurried to open my prize and to my delight there was my first kite.

• There were times when I waited on something special to me.
• There were times when I sat and watched for something special to happen.
• There were times when I was filled with anticipation of something good to come.

Waiting on the kingdom of GOD was probably something Joseph of Arimathea had done since childhood. When he saw the miracles of JESUS, he immediately knew he had seen GOD in the flesh. As short lived as it was, he saw what he had been waiting for and wanted to serve this dead GOD one last time, or so he thought.

• JESUS loves when I wait on HIM with faith.
• JESUS loves when I seek HIS return on a daily basis.
• JESUS loves when I spend a little time with HIM each day waiting on HIS direction.

JESUS has promised HE would return someday. In the meantime, HE wants me to serve HIS kingdom on a daily basis. Yes, I want stuff and sometimes I get stuff and sometimes I lose stuff, but the kingdom of GOD is so much more. GOD gives me peace that stuff cannot.

HE walks with me, guiding my creativity so I can honor HIM for what HE has bestowed on me. I wait on HIM daily.

• What are you waiting on?
• Does the thing you are waiting on cause you grief?
• Can you set your anticipation on GOD instead of putting such high credence in the thing you are waiting on today?

Great is THY Faithfulness

Lamentations 3: ²² Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.”

============

Chirping birds woke me this particular day. Like one of those apocalyptic movies, yesterday’s horrors were over and it was a new day. I had come through yet another one of life’s trials and had a good night’s sleep. It was indeed a new day.

• Every day I have the opportunity to praise GOD.
• Every day is a new day full of new adventures if I allow it.
• Every day is filled with GOD’s compassion and the sins of yesterday are long past.

Each and every day is a new day in GOD’s eyes. HE segments my sins somehow and renews my mind, body and soul daily. HE pours out HIS compassion on me and bathes me with HIS mercy. GOD challenges me to accept HIS kind acts of love. I can wake up with problems on my mind or I can start the day with my mind on HIM.

I chose to say “The LORD is my portion therefore I will wait on HIM.”

• Can you choose GOD to renew your mind today?
• Will you spend some quiet moments with HIM and wait on HIS small still voice to guide you?
• Have you thought about waking up and immediately praying in order to ease your mind?

Being Restored

Jeremiah 27: ²¹ yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says about the things that are left in the house of the Lord and in the palace of the king of Judah and in Jerusalem: ²² ‘They will be taken to Babylon and there they will remain until the day I come for them,’ declares the Lord. ‘Then I will bring them back and restore them to this place.’”

============

GOD must have truly been upset with HIS people at the time. I mean HE said “I will give the world to who I wish and I am giving it to your captors.” HE banished the entire nation and allowed them to live in captivity. HE even said “You must obey your captors or I will destroy you.” I pondered, why did they have to go through this?

• GOD cannot go back on HIS word.
• GOD said there would be consequences for following other gods.
• GOD does everything HE says HE will do.

I could not think of an extreme example in which I felt “banished” but I do understand the need to be restored. When I choose to sin deliberately I step further and further away from following GOD. Soon I am in isolation that only HE can fix. I crave for HIS warmth and blessing.

• GOD says to me “I will restore you.”
• GOD says to me “I AM coming back for you.”
• GOD says to me “I stand at the door of your heart and knock.”

Restoration is what GOD seeks to do daily. HE opens HIS arms wide and allows me to return and HE always welcomes me back. HE wipes away my tears, cleans me up and sits me down at a feast. HE fully restores my soul.

• Do you need restoration?
• Are you banished?
• Can you ask GOD to allow you to return on HIS terms?

Sit and Wait

Isaiah 18: ⁴ This is what the Lord says to me:
    “I will remain quiet and will look on from my dwelling place,
like shimmering heat in the sunshine,
    like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.”

============

“Heal my eyes since you are GOD” was my tempt of HIS power. I had just come from a conference and was very young in my quest for knowledge of GOD. I went to bed as prescribed and woke up to the normal blurry vision I always had. They said “Ask for anything and I will receive it” why didn’t YOU do what I said. Silence was GOD’s reply.

Years later, while using an electric saw, a large object popped up and hit my glasses. I was not wearing safety goggles because it was only a quick cut. Thank GOD for needing glasses!

• Sometimes GOD is silent to me.
• Sometimes GOD remains quiet when I request something.
• Sometimes GOD says nothing when I ask HIM for stuff.

Since I do not know GOD’s thoughts, I sometimes ask for stuff that may throw the entire plan off. When I pout about not hearing from HIM, it just shows how little I trust in HIS glorious plan. Even when I make something an emergency in my mind, HE sometimes sits and shows me that it wasn’t as urgent as I made it.

• GOD wants me to trust HIM for the long haul, not just in short bursts.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM in the middle of the storm, not after.
• GOD wants me to trust that HE has a purpose for HIS silence and HE will deliver me when and how HE chooses.

GOD’s silence is good, but sometimes difficult to swallow. HE grows my faith in HIM and helps me focus only on today.

• Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
• Is your faith waning because you have not heard from GOD?
• Will you allow GOD to perform HIS miracles in HIS time?
• Will you take GOD’s silence as an opportunity to grow your trust instead of growing your blame?

Waiting Period

Isaiah 8: ¹⁶ Bind up this testimony of warning
    and seal up God’s instruction among my disciples.
¹⁷ I will wait for the Lord,
    who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob.
I will put my trust in him.

============

“Will this person ever stop talking” is what I thought to myself as I wanted the meeting to be over with. “Will this person just move over” I thought to myself as they were driving one mile under the speed limit. “Why won’t they just promote me right now” I thought to myself as I rushed to be at the top.

• Sometimes I am impatient.
• Sometimes I want it right now.
• Sometimes I do not want to wait.

Impatience is something I definitely embrace. It is a heralded quality in business and celebrated throughout the world. The success in business can however be a detriment. It is hard to turn on and off patience as money and time seem to be needed more and more. What am I to do?

• GOD says to me “Seal up MY instructions in people” which takes time.
• GOD says to me “Wait on the LORD for your deliverance” so sometimes I have to remain where I am for a little while longer.
• GOD says to me “Put your trust in the LORD” which means I shouldn’t always jump into HIS plans trying to fix the situation.

Patience means I can sit back and “trust” GOD. I can know that HIS plan will unfold just as HE says. HE is the one who delivers me in HIS way and in HIS time. I should not fret over the current circumstance because HIS plan is too marvelous for me.

• Are you stuck in a situation for a long time?
• Are you losing your patience?
• Can you trust that GOD wants you to grow and HE needs you to place your trust in HIM?

Waiting Takes Patience

Psalm 130: ¹ Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
²     Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
    to my cry for mercy.

³ If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
    Lord, who could stand?
⁴ But with you there is forgiveness,
    so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

⁵ I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
    and in his word I put my hope.
⁶ I wait for the Lord
    more than watchmen wait for the morning,
    more than watchmen wait for the morning.

⁷ Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
    for with the Lord is unfailing love
    and with him is full redemption.
⁸ He himself will redeem Israel
    from all their sins.

============

It was a normal game of hide and seek and this may have been my first time. I ran to some close location and hid partially, anticipating the “seeker” to go and look for others. As I stuck my head out from a bush, I was immediately caught. “You have to have patience” is what someone told me. “Waiting takes too long” I replied.

• When I want something I sometimes cannot wait.
• When I am seeking something I sometimes cannot wait.
• When I desire something I sometimes cannot wait.

Multiply my impatience by one thousand when it comes to, what I call a crisis. When I perceive things going wrong, I spring into action planning, executing mitigation and yes, praying. Sometimes I get immediate response and sometimes the response comes years later. I don’t like waiting for years!

• GOD says to me “Wait on the LORD” which requires patience.
• GOD says to me “MY strength is made perfect in your weakness” which requires fortitude.
• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid for I AM with you always” which requires trust.

Rifling through my mind, trying to remember my sins is a waste of time, especially when I am forgiven. If GOD reacted to every one of my sins I would never have come out of my mother’s womb. Yes HE wants me to sin “less” so I can trust “more.” HE wants me to wait on HIS delivery without throwing in the towel on HIM. GOD is where my hope lies.

• Are you impatient?
• Do you think GOD has left you or forgotten you?
• Can you remember that HE said HE would NEVER leave you nor forsake you?
• Will you continue to place your hope in GOD no matter how misguided it is?

A Cure for Waiting

Psalm: ⁷ “Will the Lord reject forever?
    Will he never show his favor again?
⁸ Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
    Has his promise failed for all time?
⁹ Has God forgotten to be merciful?
    Has he in anger withheld his compassion?”

¹⁰ Then I thought, “To this I will appeal:
    the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.
¹¹ I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
¹² I will consider all your works
    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

============

Bible babble was the last thing I wanted to talk about. It seemed like the people in my immediate circle knew so much more than me and when I opened my mouth, there was always a correction or added information.

The Bible was “their” Bible and knowing it was “their” thing. One day I read it and it peaked my curiosity. But as soon as I got to know the people in the Bible, my faith waned. I mean it was “their” experiences, what does this have to do with me?

• Looking at church goers can sometimes cause me to compare my life to theirs.
• Reading the Bible can sometimes cause me to compare my life to the experiences of others.
• Living around other people can sometimes cause me to compare my stuff to my neighbors.

I soon found that I didn’t measure up to the standards of the churchy people who could quote scripture and argue their knowledge. I stopped going to church and GOD brought me back. HE opened my eyes and took me though some amazing times. I now had my own experiences from which I could draw from. Now when I read the Bible I can see a different set of words that were always there. I can see GOD talking to “me” rather than spouting out rules.

• When I am anxious GOD wants me to remember what HE brought me through in the past.
• When I am scared GOD wants me to remember how HE delivered me from many near death situations.
• When I am confused and feel like giving up GOD wants me to remember the times that HE rescued me from extreme circumstances.

GOD is my all and all. HE has delivered me from so many dangers, toils and snares. HE has protected me, led me and loved me over and over and over again. HE has NEVER let me stay down and has ALWAYS stayed with me, feeling worse for me than I feel for myself. GOD wants me to remember HIS might, remember HIS deeds and remember HIS miracles.

When I consider all of GOD’s works it helps me wait because I know HIS plan is greater than anything I could ever think of.

• Are you in a waiting period?
• Do you want to be finished with “this” trial?
• Instead of waiting, can you take a moment and meditate on what GOD has done in your life?

Someone Cares About Me

Psalm 55: ²² Cast your cares on the Lord
    and he will sustain you;
he will never let
    the righteous be shaken.

============

Staring at the phone did not make it ring. I even checked it to make sure that it worked, thinking “maybe the ringer is broken. Does anyone care?” I was not used to the silence after my noisy lifestyle of being the “party maker.” Staring at the phone again later in life still did not make it ring. This time I waited on a higher paying job after my noisy lifestyle of being the “hotshot programmer.” I checked the phone thinking “maybe the ringer is broken. Does anyone care?” I was used to headhunters calling me and they had stopped.

Staring at email did not make the responses come through, “maybe they didn’t get my email. Does anyone care?” I wonder if there is a pattern!

• When I want something and I am not getting it, I wonder if anyone cares.
• When I desire something and I am not getting my way, I wonder if anyone cares.
• When I crave something and I am not quenching want, I wonder if anyone cares.

“Does anyone care?” has run across my mind a few times in my life, usually when I faced an extended wait period. My party crowd had found their parties and the business crowd their candidate. “What about me?” blinded me to the care that was given to me.

• GOD says to me “I care for you deeper than you can ever imagine.”
• GOD says to me “I love you deeply and I will never leave you.”
• GOD says to me “I can handle whatever you are concerned about and I will sustain you.”

GOD knows every concern I may have, yet it is very liberating to search myself and tell HIM what is bothering me. When I tell GOD about my concern, HE gives me peace. HE sustains me through storms and does not let me become shaken.

• Are you going through a storm?
• Do you feel that no one cares?
• Can you place your cares at GOD’s feet?
• Will you understand that GOD cares about you deeply?