Patiently Waiting…

PATIENCE

Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”

So, I’m getting married in a little over two months, and I was sitting here this morning reflecting on the journey that brought me to this moment, where I am seeing the fulfillment of years of prayer and petition (I can’t take full credit—my mom was putting in some fervent prayers for her single daughter for over a decade lol). While I’m still in my prime, I am not exactly what you would call a spring chicken (🙂). As many women will tell you, when you get to be *grumble grumble* years old, and you are still without even the prospect of marriage, it can be a bit discouraging (if that is one of your heart’s desires); and you might find yourself giving God the side-eye wondering, “WHAT IS TAKING HIM SO LONG!?”

Eventually, though, I realized that my experience with this prolonged season of waiting had a purpose. Most importantly, I learned about the true power of patience and faith, and the unerring nature of God’s timing. There were so many times over the years that I felt sadness, disappointment, and anger with God that He gave me a heart so full of love, but provided no one with whom I could share it. I prayed and I cried and I pouted; but then eventually, I got up, dusted myself off, and got about the business of simply focusing on finding fulfillment in myself, in my existence, and in the people and purpose that God HAD placed in my life. It was only then, when I had taken my focus off of this one aspect of my life that was not as I wanted it, and began to walk confidently on my path and in my purpose; that God eventually brought my divinely assigned mate into my life.

The irony is that I would not have been ready for him…nor he me…until the very moment that he found me. In fact, I’m pretty sure that we wouldn’t have even given each other the time of day even a year before we actually met. God’s perfect timing strikes again!

If you are in a season of waiting—and I know many of us are—for a mate, for that perfect job, for financial freedom, or even just for clarity and direction, don’t give up! Continue to move forward in faith, because God hears your prayers. He has received your petitions, and the time of waiting that you’re experiencing may simply be His way of preparing you for the amazing blessing that He has in store for you on the other side of this season.

STAY ENCOURAGED!!

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES

Isaiah 40:31 – “But they who wait for 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.”

Ecclesiastes 3:11a – “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

SHINE YOUR LIGHT!

Song: While I’m Waiting by John Waller

Song: Wait on the Lord by Donnie McClurkin

Song: Moving Forward by Israel Houghton

SELF-LOVE

Be the example…❤️

Nobody’s Perfect

SELF-LOVE

Psalm 139:14: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well.”

What do you think about yourself? What words do you speak about yourself? Are they positive and uplifting, or do you have a tendency to dwell on all of the ways that you fall short of perfection? I was reminded today of our tendency to focus more on our shortcomings, our mistakes, our areas of weaknesses, than we do on our God-given strengths and talents. It’s not that we need to become boastful, touting our every attribute at the top of our lungs; but it is okay to see ourselves as God see us—perfectly flawed…beautifully and wonderfully made—and to acknowledge the gifts that He has bestowed upon us.

Dwelling on our shortcomings is a slippery slope that can easily lead to lowered self-esteem and a distorted self-view, and it is a very easy way to become discouraged and find ourselves in a pattern of negative thinking. Nobody’s perfect, and I’m sure that few of us would find it difficult to uncover that first string of self-doubt to pick at and pull, until eventually, we unravel our healthy view of ourselves. There are too many people in this world who will be quick to judge you and point out your flaws; don’t add your own name to the list!

In 2018, let’s strive to love ourselves as God loves us—unconditionally—acknowledging and learning from our errors, but then moving past them with the understanding that while we are fallible human beings, we are also beautiful, loved children of God, and He doesn’t make mistakes. His works are wonderful, we know that full well…and you are one of His most amazing creations!

SHINE YOUR LIGHT!

On another note…HAPPY NEW YEAR! I know I’m a bit late, but I wish you all a prosperous, adventurous, fulfilling, and fruitful year that is filled with all of the love, joy, and peace that your heart can hold!

Thoughts, reactions, or testimonies? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!