Grace in the Waiting

"Be still, and know that I am God."

We are blessed with a trail near our home, which weaves through the woods, leading eventually to a river.  This is my favorite place to escape when the world closes in on me.  Here, in the quiet beauty of God's creation, I find solace from life's demands.  

I come here daily to be alone with my Lord; to praise and thank him, to walk with him and share my hopes, my concerns, my needs.  I ask for help with my struggles, for wisdom and direction, for faith through my trials.  

I look to him for answers, yet I don't want to feel the pain.  I pray for patience, yet I don't want to wait for it.  I resist the circumstances, the trials, that help me to grow in the very faith I seek.  I want the 'easy button.'

 

Though often my questions are not answered, nor my problems solved, God is working in me. While I wait, he draws me closer to him.  He is 'growing me,' teaching me, preparing me for what is coming. He gives me hope through his steadfast love and mercy.

In my trials, he is helping me to want to know his heart more than I want the easy fix. 

Holy Spirit, lead me into a lifestyle of deeper, more continuous 

encounters with the heart of God.  I don't want to live apart 

from an awareness of God's will, love, and nearness.  

Amen   

Blessings,