I always have.
There are times I specifically remember waiting for my mom to pick me up after school. Sitting on the round-a-bout at Warwick Academy. The students who were over 16 years old had long since sped away on their mopeds, the crew on the basketball court had widdled away and those coming for swim practice were starting to arrive.
There I sat. Waiting.
Mom would just roll in like it was no big deal. I'd climb in, taking my school tie off immediately and slamming the door behind me.
"Why are you late?" - I was sassy.
"It is 3:39. You got out of class 9 minutes ago."
WHAT?! It felt like an eternity. School had cleared out in the blink of an eye.
It was around that time in my life that it was the trend for teens at youth group and summer camp to pick out a life verse. Something that might inspire you... empower you... lead you to do great things!
I knew I had an issue with patience. So I searched every verse I could find about patience.
Isaiah 40:31 seemed good. BOOM. Life verse. Check.
Little did I know how much of an impact this verse and chapter might have on my life in the years to come.
In the last few weeks I have been reminded and challenged about waiting again.
Waiting on GOD's timing. Trusting HIS perfect plan.
But it was this past Thursday that got me thinking again.
Although I had prayed about stopping street ministry for the summer (there is a LOT going on people!) I had made a previous commitment with some ladies from Alabama. So Thursday night was a GO.
After prayer asking GOD to shut our mouths and speak through us, that girls might come to know HIM and that they would leave the streets; we split in to teams, divided up the tracts and spoke as the Spirit led.
At the very beginning of the street our group had the opportunity to share with 3 ladies that were sitting on a wall. They were clearly waiting for clients and even expressed their reasons for being there within minutes of us chatting. We had the opportunity to share CHRIST with them and reminded them of the precious work of CHRIST on the cross. "IT IS DONE." They smiled and told us that they knew they weren't on the right path, but that they were there simply to provide for their families.
In the next few minutes we shared about the opportunities and ministry that was open to women seeking change for themselves and their families. We told them about lives that had been changed - since there is power in the blood! - and women that had been restored.
They listened intently. We prayed with them. Then we left.
One of the other teams had an opportunity to meet with these girls one more time before we headed home too.
Less than an hour later I received a text message from one of the girls saying that the three of them had decided to head on home.
An INSTANT answer to prayer.
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| Graduation time with some of our youth group kids! |
(We are still following up with the girls, so hold tight for more answered prayers)
The following day my hubby and I were chatting and praising the LORD for the things that had occurred. But my mind continued to ponder...
Why does GOD answer some things immediately and other things take so long (like our passports that have now taken almost 4 months. I so desperately want to go home and introduce Josiah to my family before he is a teenager)? Wouldn't it be fantastic to pray and mid-sentence see the handiwork of GOD right before our eyes?
Here is what I have learned over the years. GOD is not Santa Claus. HE owes me nothing because I'm a good girl or because I was on my best behavior. I don't deserve answers to prayer.
Yet... because of HIS work on the cross I owe HIM everything. I gladly give HIM my life <3
Isaiah 40:30, "...but they who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Do you know, if you look at the verses before this verse it talks about how awesome GOD is? Then in to the next chapter there are several mentions of how GOD never leaves or forsakes us.
No mention of how awesome I am and all that GOD ought to give me in life. Just reminders over and over again about how amazing HE is and then this verse to tell us that even when we're sitting around waiting for answers, GOD is growing us still.
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| A little trip to Santo Domingo |
Do I like to wait? No... I still don't enjoy to wait. But in waiting I am thankful that HE is doing something fabulous in me. HE's making me more like HIM :)
In our time of waiting a lot has still been happening. We had teams come to minister to the women at the Lily House, then we had a group come and take over youth group on Friday night too. We are blessed by those who come willing and prepared to serve!
Saturday afternoon was a different kind of ministry as we attended graduation for some kids that attend church/youth group. Robersy was the "padrino" (an escort for the ceremony - usually someone of influence in the young person's life) for one of our young ladies and we were encouraged to see our kids taking school seriously.
Then Sunday we were able to relax a bit with some friends :)
Josiah even picked up a modeling gig for Krispy Kreme (heehee, just kidding!!! Although those chunky cheeks are worthy of representing the donut chain)
Thankful for a great week. Please be praying for meetings, services, camp prep (July 5-8) and of course the passports. We WAIT to see GOD do through great things!
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