Sunday, March 22, 2009

Waiting

Have you ever had a week--maybe two weeks--maybe a month or more--where things just seem to be running together--no time, no energy, everything you touch seems to not work out or fall apart?

Now, let's be honest because I know we all have had these times. I was ill for over a week, difficulties with a banking error (by the bank!) that is still not straightened out, and then my youngest contacted me from Texas with some issues that are plaguing her.

And so, I fretted and fumed. I withdrew into myself. I became frustrated. I did everything except turn immediately to God. I waited and waited and waited--and then finally--in the early morning hours--I cried out to Him--Help me here, I'm drowning!

And the help came--in the person of my son. God sent him as my rescuer in all of this mess.

Now, I wonder--why did I wait? Why did I not turn immediately to God? Why did I think that I had some control over any of this?

As I think of this, I realize that this is something that has been going on in my family for generations--grandmother to my mother, my mother to me, and me to my daughter who also waited until things were at a boiling point before she contacted me. For all I know, this could have been going on long before.

WHY?

All I can say is that this taught me a great lesson--stop waiting!! Turn immediately to God always!! The why doesn't really matter because I will probably never know the reason my family was built this way. But the what and the how does.

What is the trouble? How do I deal with it? Is this something that I can even possibly do something about? Is this is my control?

Silly me--thinking that any of this is in my control. It is not. Everything is in God's control, and I'd do best to remember this always and stop my waiting and turn to God immediately.

That is my lesson for this week--taught directly to me by my Creator.

Please be sure to stop by The Power of Your Love. I've posted there today about Proverbs 29:25:

To fear anyone will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

Have a blessed Sunday in HIM,

Beth





14 comments:

Debbie Petras said...

I can understand what you're saying. I'm learning to go directly to the Lord before running to my husband or calling my friends. The Lord is our sustainer and the One to run to immediately.

I also find that the enemy attacks after a spiritual high. I know how excited you've been about your new place to live. Don't be discouraged. Don't allow the enemy a foothold.

Praise God for He is your shelter and your help in times of trouble. And He is in control of all things.

Denise said...

I love you my friend.

pam said...

One of my favorite lines from the Esther study...."If ______, then GOD!" Training ourselves all our lives to turn faster to Him.

Beth in NC said...

What a great reminder Beth. Why do we wait? That is a good question!

Kelly said...

First, I LOVE the song on your playlist. (Praise you in the storm).

Yes, I tend to turn to God as a last resort instead of first instinct too. Human nature, I guess. But I am working on it.

Knittin Kudzu said...

Beth, Thanks for those words of reminder! Turning to God should always be our first reaction...oh that we would train ourselves to do that! Be blessed!

Sandy

Jennifer said...

I am so guilty of that very thing. It seems like I fret, fuss and get so wrapped up in the problem that I forget the answer is just a prayer away. You would think that after a couple of times...I would learn but I catch myself praying for everyone but me!

Thanks for a wonderful reminder. I will get your gift in the mail before Wednesday this week, my friend.

Take care!

GranthamLynn said...

I know you are so right. Sometimes we try to work it out on our own not giving God control and then we fumble things up and turn to him as a last resort. I think in the little things we get too distracted and think he is really only there for the important things. But everything we do,feel,need are important to him because all our thoughts and feelings are important to him. I agree we need to just Be and rest and allow him. I know because I need to do that myself. I am too anxious myself. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Sherry

HisPrincess said...

Such good advice!

I am guilty of the exact same thing. I try to fix everything myself and it's only when I get REALLY desperate that I think of the Lord. It would be so much easier if I looked up FIRST.

Kay Martin said...

I'm this way also. I guess it's a fear/control thing. I'm realizing I love helping and fixing issues. It's not so good to me when I have to call out for help. We should be so connected to God and one another that whatever any of us needs is the issue not who's doing it...right?

My prayer is that all is well now...especially the bank!!!

Sharon said...

Great question my friend we all procrastinate don't we! If only we would seekie first him!!

I do pray that everything is all smoothed out for you!

Have a beautiful and blessed day
This is a great share, and I am sure this one I will think about for the day!

magnoliasntea said...

Hi Beth,
Hope it's as nice in your neck of the woods as it is here today. As a matter of fact, I'm digging your lilies today, and I hope to mail them out to you tomorrow. Please send me your snail addy to my email:

foothillsgms at gmail dot com

Thanks!
Toni

Deb said...

I have been going through much of the same with DS. He's been in the wilderness for some time now and I thought I could "handle it on my own". Big, big mistake. God let me try though and when I FINALLY realized that HE was the only One Who could bring DS home, I turned completely to him. DS came home one week ago...God is worthy to be praised!!!
Blessings!!
Deb

Aunt Kathy said...

Waiting to run to God is never good, but... waiting ON God is always good. It's OK to wait we just need to make sure we are waiting in the right spots.

A lesson I am still trying to master myself.