Just Wait

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r49V9QcYheQ&list=RDr49V9QcYheQ&start_radio=1&t=0

Take Courage ~ Kristene DiMarco

Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! ~ Psalm 27:14 ESV

Shortly after Savannah was born, I was miserable at work. Looking back, it wasn’t because of the work, but because I felt robbed of being a stay-at-home mom. When an opportunity presented itself at another organization, I jumped at it, thinking it would fill the hole created by disappointment. I was upset when I didn’t get it, causing me to keep waiting for God to move.

Right now, many families are awaiting final news of what schooling will look like in the fall. Waiting has caused anxiety to rise in kids, parents, and teachers. The longer we must wait, the more ammunition the enemy has to fire at our thoughts, using our own minds against us as we think up more worst-case scenarios.

Perhaps waiting is the point of this season. Every time an unexpected change occurs, we can choose to stand firm on God’s promises, remembering His faithfulness in the past. Or we can try to make things happen in our timing, by our strength and power. The latter happens out of a lack of trust that God will – or is able to – come through for us this time. As the Bible exemplifies for us, when others have tried the second option, it never turned out well.

Maybe plans for the next school year aren’t why you’re waiting. Regardless of the reason, waiting is still an important season, as it shapes and expands our field of vision. It’s an opportunity for God to separate the dross from the gold, purifying our hearts, so we’ll more and more reflect His glory, (2 Corinthians 3:18). In this season of waiting, instead of allowing fear and frustration to build, allow anticipation to turn into hope, joy, and excitement. While we didn’t choose to wait, we get to choose how we wait.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxbfyt8Rraw

Hurry Up and Wait ~ Mercy Me

©Heather Potts 2020

Don't Jump the Gun

…Prepare ye the way of the LORD… ~ Isaiah 40:3 KJV

Growing up on the swim team, one of the most intense parts was waiting in the “start” position. The official calls the swimmers to step up onto the blocks and to “take your mark.” But the key is holding that position for several seconds without “jumping the gun,” which marks the beginning of the race. Any swimmer who dives or falls off the block before the gun or tone sounds is automatically disqualified. But once you’re in that “start” position, huge amounts of adrenalin begin coursing through your body and it becomes harder and harder to wait.

That’s where we are now.

God has shown us that He’s preparing us for something—and something for us—but because we don’t have all the important details, we’re having to wait. And waiting is hard, just ask any small child. But waiting has a couple purposes. 1) Waiting reveals the condition of your heart. It’s easy to “go.” It takes discipline and obedience to “wait.” Like the swimmer who’s disqualified for an early start, we can miss out on certain blessings because we didn’t trust God and “hold our position” until He started the race.   2) Waiting strengthens your faith. When you know that you’re about to embark on a new adventure, you’re super excited. But as time drags on, the process isn’t as easy as you thought, and unexpected challenges arise, it can be easy to throw in the towel and walk away. But the struggle “produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope,” which builds our faith (Romans 5:3-4; Hebrews 11:1).

If, like us, you’re in that “start” position but you haven’t been given the “go ahead,” don’t jump the gun! Instead, do as Psalm 27:14 encourages: Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

©Heather Potts 2017

Testimony Part 2

Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! ~ Psalm 27:14 ESV

A testimony is a story of how God moved in an otherwise hopeless situation. A testimony—a story of hope—was definitely what I needed. Once again, on this journey, the way is not nearly as neat or smooth as we’d like. The way has felt elusive and the choices intimidating. Similarly, to a child, I’ve been pitching a fit, demanding what feels good and comfortable. Fortunately, I have an awesome Dad and He used redirection to help me see the situation a little more clearly.

Instead of telling me that I need to trust Him, “because He said so,” He did something much more inspiring. He used the testimonies of women whom I love and respect. One by one, He brought to my remembrance the stories of strong women in my life who have stood where I now stand and who walked on paths similar to mine. God showed me that He brought them through their seasons victoriously and promised to do the same for me. In the moment of my surrender, I felt both peace and the most heart-felt gratitude toward each of these women who are a living testimony to me.

It’s no coincidence that it’s Mother’s Day weekend, a time when we honor our blood mothers, adopted mothers, surrogate mothers, spiritual mothers, and honorary mothers. If there is a woman in your life who has been a living testimony for you, be sure to thank her and pray for her journey. And, if like me, you are on a journey where the answers feel unclear, obey the words in this Psalm: Be strong. Take courage. Wait for the Lord, standing firm on His promises.

Happy Mother’s Day!

©Heather Potts 2017