Waiting On The Lord

Waiting on the Lord is tough.

One of the things I mentioned in my last post, Looking To 2018 was that I want to read real books. I also have a few books that I want to finish from years past.

One is a devotion I purchased early last year called Embracing the Race by Lisa Preuett. It’s a devotion for runners. I’m a wanna be. lol

The other day I was reading God’s Timing, from her book and it made me think of my kids.

She was talking about a marathon she was running and how she kept track of her time and pace.

She kept trying to just stay focused on finishing since she’d not ever run quite that far. But her eyes kept going to her time and pace. With just 5 miles shy of the finish her legs began to give out and she had to slow way down.

Turning the final corner, I inched my way across the finish line. It took me longer than I thought it would. But the numbers on my watch didn’t matter. I’d finish the race!

Here an excerpt of the text that made me think of my kids:

How often do we make plans according to our own calculations? How often do we expect life to go a certain way, based on what we’ve already experienced? Maybe we think will reach a specific goal in a short time but later we realize it’s taking much longer. Or we expect God to answer our prayers by a certain time.

We set ourselves up for disappointment when we expect things to happen in our own timing in our own way. Peace would flow more freely in our lives if we would trust God’s timing. God ways are better than ours. His timing is perfect. He is never late. Nothings takes Him by surprise. He is ultimately in control of everything.

As adults they are in control of their own lives, or so they think. lol. When things don’t go their way or don’t seem to be following their path they get frustrating and discouraged.

I completely understand how they feel. Even as a seasoned Christian I struggle as well with God’s timing and plans.

But here’s the thing. His ways are higher than our ways. His thoughts higher than our thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Joy Anyway

If we can keep our thoughts and prayers focused on Him and His will we, will have Hope, Peace and Joy anyway.

I know it’s easier said than done, but it can be done.

Several years ago I had found a car that I had been wanting for a long time. I loved this car and Jeffrey was willing to live a tighter budget so I could have it. He even brought it home for the weekend. I was ecstatic.

However, as Monday approached I knew that a tighter budget just for a car wasn’t really the best idea and I decided to take it back.

I cried all the way to town. But in my tears I prayed for the Lord to help me accept His will and give me Joy anyway. By the time we left the dealership, I was completely fine. I was happy and joyful. I knew I’d done the right thing and that the Lord would bless me for it.

I know that’s not quite the same as college degrees and dream jobs, but it was a life lesson I will not forget.

What plans have you made that didn’t turn out? How did you react to that? Can you see God’s hand in how things did turn out?

Share your story in the comment section.

If you’re a runner or even a wannabe like me, Lisa’s book will inspire you to run and encourage the you in the race of life. You can pick it up on amazon.

Blessings to you.
♥Sabrina