It seems like God abandons projects before they are finished.
I think I speak for all of us that it seems like God can be forgetful. I know we don't like to admit that, but if we are honest there are sore spots on our hearts it feels like God has neglected. I wrote an entry a few months ago, Why Hope Hurts. I revisited the thought this morning.
When I had my second child I had tons of false labor. I would feel the contractions. "This is it! He is on his way!". But then they would stop just as suddenly as the started. It was disappointing, but I still knew that he was going to be born. It was obvious that it would be soon. I had a bulging belly to prove it. Not so with the promises of God.
I don't have physical evidence like I did when I was pregnant. I have the opportunity to think that I am making this all up. I never heard God promise me anything. I look at all the reasons I have NOT to believe Him. Indeed it seems like He forgot.
I know God has promised things. I believe them, I pray for them. There are moments where it seems like my dreams are gaining traction. My soul lifts. "Finally'!" I think. Then I let my mind go. It starts to think about where this momentum is headed. I plan it out in my brain. I get attached to my plan in my heart...and then God takes it a different direction. Disappointment washes over me. Again.
Maybe you feel He has forgotten your promises too? The promise of a spouse, a certain job, the chance to use your giftings in a 'big' way. Perhaps you have dreamed about going to a certain nation to tell them about Jesus, maybe you have been praying for God to heal your depression, or bring a prodigal child home. The promise of a baby that has resulted in nothing. For years. We all feel we have a barren womb in some area.
So, did He forget? Is He cruel? Does He not listen when we cry in weary places? No. He hasn't forgotten. He is leading us to His promises even today. I am a follower of Jesus. That means I hold his hand and follow him. Not lead him. I trust Him and I eagerly go where He takes me because I know it is good and it is part of a loving plan for me. When I get frustrated and impatient I let Him comfort me.
You see, I have learned this: The promises of God and His pathways often seem disconnected. But God is a God who holds all things together. If I take His hand He will lead me from glory to glory.
Great perspective, Elizabeth. Often I have to remind myself that God works according to His time schedule, not mine.
ReplyDeleteMom
Beautifully written and so true. This really resonated with me because I'm such a planner and when my time table doesn't align with His I get frustrated and depressed. I'm thankful for His patience though, and that He does actually have a plan that will come to fruition.
ReplyDeleteAmen. Your words are full of truth. Last week in class, I talked about how God gives us an abundance for every day, but sometimes we are so busy waiting for the big answer that we forget to see how He works in all the little ways, too.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post, and it seems you wrote it just for me! Thank you for this perspective.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post.. I don't forget.. but I like to remind God often that He is leading me and I'm following, so where are we going? lol.. I'm sure he cracks a smile and just grabs my hand a bit tighter as we head down the pathway lit by His word.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing,
Misty
Our pastor told a story Sunday of a woman who ceased living for God because she thought He didn't keep His promise to her. Then she found out the answer happened five years earlier -- she just didn't know it.
ReplyDeleteTrusting isn't always easy. I'm a planner, too, and come up with the best way for God to answer. God's answers are always "above what we can ask or thing." We just don't always know God is working for OUR good.
What a beautiful post. I want to walk with God from glory to glory!