I AM WAITING

A dear friend and I exchanged emails earlier this week about plans that I had made and begun to implement based on what I thought I had heard from God. My friend, whom I've known for over twenty years, and whose spiritual advice I trust implicitly, had great reservations about what I was starting. As another friend always says, "there were red flags flying everywhere." My friend went on to say that she believed "the most important thing for me to do is rest, listen without any preconceived ideas to the Lord.." As soon as I read that, I knew she was right. That is why I took a sabbatical from what I do at my church. I wanted - make that needed - to spend more time sitting in Jesus' presence, resting, listening to Him and trusting. Not too long after my sabbatical began, I got this "great" idea and because I have a burning desire to work in this area, I began making plans. But I've set those aside now. I am resting and I am waiting.

John Waller sings a song called "While I'm Waiting." The first time I heard it was in the movie "Fireproof" (which if you have not seen, you really need to see it)! It is a wonderful song and I have been hearing it in my head all week...most appropriate:

While I'm Waiting
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

I sat down with my Bible this afternoon and immediately the Lord led me to these verses on resting and waiting:

Isaiah 30:15
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength...

Isaiah 30:18-19
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you.

Isaiah 40:31
31 But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

And so, I wait.

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