As I sat down at my laptop this evening feeling disconnected from my writing, I felt that I had nothing inspiring to say. So I took the opportunity to read some of my old entries. I didn't get very far before the words I read had me captivated. Certainly not because I think I am just a fantastic writer, haha, no! But about halfway through my post about Patience I caught a glimpse into my past, the person I was then...and I smiled as this last week played through my head. I know why I was asking for patience then...I didn't understand why we couldn't have our house, and I was too easily frustrated by my kids.
Yet sitting here 3 years later in the same small apartment, with twice as many kids, I feel that I am more patient then I ever was. If I was desperate to move then, I would have expected 3 years to push me over the edge! And if I was frustrated with 2 little people...certainly I wouldn't have the patience for 4! But quite the opposite has happened. I am currently in the planning stages of rearranging the kids' rooms, and I am excited about it! Not knowing how long it may be this way, considering the possibility of several years.... And the calmness with which I am able to deal with my kids in comparison to how I handled myself then...measurably different!
Anyone who has prayed, and waited for answers, whether having found them, or not, will surely empathize with the abundant joy that comes with my next statement:
God heard. God answered. God granted.
God is good. Not always do I get to see his answer, nor like it when I do; and so often I feel unheard...but when He does bless me with a "yes" answer, I am encouraged that I am on the right path, walking in the direction He desires. I dug up a few verses that I hope encourage you to pray, and to know that His ears are turned to listen:
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4
God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. Matt 5:3
So let us come boldy to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it. Hebrews 4:16
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be astounded. They will put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:1-3
"For the mountains may depart and the hills disappear, but even then I will remain loyal to you. My covenant of blessing will never be broken," says the Lord, who has mercy on you. Isaiah 54:10
Luke 11:5-13
Zechariah 4:6
Habakkuk 3:19
Isaiah 41:10
Luke 18:1-8
Psalm 34:17-19
