The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:25-26 We are all waiting for something. Whether it is a new job, house,car,your health to turn around, restoration of a relationship, a spouse, a baby,coming out of this pandemic...what are you waiting for Him to do? Do you feel like it is taking too long? Have you consumed yourself with the waiting? What have you done in the midst of the waiting? Truth moment…. Waiting isn’t always easy, especially when months or years have gone by and yet you are still waiting for Him. When you feel like the prayers that you have prayed haven’t been answered or heard. You turn around and notice that discouragement and disappointment comes without an invitation. Complaining and frustration become your new norm. Sometimes….bitterness and resentment become your friends. The Lord says that it is good to those who wait for Him. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) states “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” So, if the Lord knows the plans that He has for you...then waiting on His timing is necessary. The waiting is not there to cause you harm, frustration,or irritation. Think about it like this: the waiting is in His plans. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) states “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” In the midst of the waiting, ask the Lord what does He want you to do? It is good that one should hope and wait quietly...In the midst of waiting have hope...trusting in the Lord for the plan to manifest itself in the way that He sees fit. Remember that there is a season for everything. Waiting for Him builds... perseverance. Waiting for Him... develops your spiritual muscle (faith). Waiting for Him... grows you in humility. Waiting for Him…grows your dependence on Him. Waiting for Him… shows that He is in control. Waiting for Him… builds your trust with Him. Trust in His plan and His timing. Wait for Him with hope and expectation! Be encouraged, Shaneen Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue… Isaiah 35:4 (GNB) What if you were to sit and ponder on what causes you to be afraid, no time like the present….close your eyes take some deep breaths, silence your thoughts, and ponder. What was the first thing that popped into your mind? Maybe it was losing a loved one,or not being able to provide. What about failure,or not being able to live up to others expectations, or maybe it was the unknown. Yes, the unknown can cause some to be afraid. You can’t plan,or fix what you don’t know is coming… like this pandemic. There are some who are battling with fear, anxiety, being overwhelm,and the unknown. So, what do they do? What do you do? During these times of uncertainty…. having to just focus on day by day living. How do you conquer being afraid? Let’s look at Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, and his experience (Matthew 14:22-30). Can you imagine sitting on a boat and seeing a person walking on water? Would you be afraid? Well the disciples were and they made it known… “and they cried out in fear”. But, immediately Jesus spoke “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” After Jesus spoke…. Peter asked to come out to Him on the water. It was after he heard Jesus speak that Peter gained the courage to ask to come. When you acknowledge that you are afraid.... regarding a situation or circumstance….what are your next steps? Do you cry out like the disciples? Do you listen for Jesus’s voice? When you hear Jesus' voice does it give you courage and strength...like Peter? Peter was able to have a moment unlike anyone by crying out to Jesus, gaining courage to step out of the boat, and walk on water. Here is the thing, even after having this amazing experience. He allowed the boisterous wind...to cause him to be afraid again….and he began to sink. Peter called out to Jesus again and immediately Jesus reached out and saved him. I encourage you today that no matter what is causing you to be afraid….cry out to Jesus, gain courage and strength, step out in boldness. Remembering that if you get afraid,even in the midst, you just have to call out to Jesus and he will save you….God is coming to your rescue….Be strong and don’t be afraid! Be Encouraged, Shaneen BE STILL…. and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10 ) For some, this scripture is very familiar. We are quick to say this scripture in lieu of many circumstances and situations. We have seen this scripture on bible coverings, pictures, coffee mugs and even license plates, but what does it mean to BE STILL? Why is it hard sometimes to BE STILL? Some may question, why BE STILL? Everything is in control, I know how to multitask….I got this. I hear God,even in the midst of my busyness...so why BE STILL? Let me challenge you to think about a conversation that you are having with a friend or loved one. The entire time of the conversation the person is constantly moving, never giving you their full attention. Giving some eye contact every once and awhile. Saying “oh really...hmm okay” throughout your conversation. How would you feel? Would you be satisfied? Some may say “I would be okay,”but what if the conversation was concerning a very life and death situation? Would the lack of their full attention bother you? Would you want them to BE STILL? So, now let's replace the person with God. Did your view change? He is sitting there waiting for you to BE STILL. Sit with Him in His presence, put up all your tasks. He is waiting for your full attention. Quiet your spirit, take some deep breaths and join Him in the STILLNESS. He wants your undivided attention. Maybe you've been praying about something. Maybe you were searching for your purpose. I can go on and on...just maybe in your BEING STILL He will grace you with answers, or guidance. During this time I want to express the importance of BE STILL. Let's take the example of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus stated that Mary choose wise, by being in His presence. Stop striving to remain busy. Take some time to rest, read the word, pray, seek wisdom, and BE STILL. What if, oh what if...the challenge is to BE STILL before the Lord (Zephaniah 1:7). Our normalcy as we once knew has depleted and we have to embrace a new normal. Schedules have dramatically changed, families are home more than ever, God has given us more time...how are we spending it? Are we still trying to fill our schedules? Have we taken this time to BE STILL? Start today….it’s never too late to BE STILL...honor Him, recognize Him,repent to Him, refocus or thoughts to Him, refine our will to His standards...BE STILL…..and know that I am God! Be Encouraged, Shaneen |
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January 2021
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