Friday, June 11, 2010

Holding Pattern

Ladies and gentlemen we've just been informed by the tower that, due to unfavorable weather conditions, we are to maintain a Holding Pattern.  We ask that you remain in your seats, and we will keep you posted as conditions improve.  We thank you for your patience.

If you've done much flying, chances are you've heard a similar announcement from the captain.  I believe chances are just as good that, at least once in your life, you've heard the same announcement from God.

He made such an announcement in my life a few months ago.  The last year for our family has been one of Reckless Faith.  God whispered His plans in our ears and then waited to see what we would do with His revelation.  We were just crazy enough to believe Him, and by His grace we jumped in head first. 


photo by Ian Kahn
Freedigitalphotos.net

We sold everything we could, rented out everything else, packed up our three boys and headed South of the Border! For the year that followed God took us out of our boxes and showed us over and over again how much we had limited Him.  He changed us, and not in the ways we had anticipated.  Isn't that soo how God works!! 

In February He whispered in our ears again, and again we obeyed.  We returned home, excited and anxious to hear our next directive.  What would He have for us to do now?  We knew from past experience that He would give us enough light for the next step.  During our time in Mexico, He had given us a book to write.  Now, with the book completed, we imagined things moving and changing quickly.  After all, we had been to Mexico and back with Him!


photo by Salvatore Vuono
freedigitalphotos.net

It's been four months since our return and we have not been given any further directives!
The only thing God has whispered in our ears is, "Be Still!" "What about now, God?"  "BE STILL!"  "God, just want to make sure we haven't missed anything."  "BE STILL!"  "So, you want us to just wait here, God?"  "BE STILL!"

Why is it So hard to be still?  I throw a mini tantrum when the computer is too slow, for pete's sake! I'm a slowpoke by nature.  My Man will tell you I LOVE to piddle!!  But I must admit that God has me beat by a mile.  It has gotten easier to wait for His timing, the older I get.  But I still have a LONG way to go.

So, I wait, and I try very hard to enjoy the view while I'm in this Holding Pattern.  It's not as if I'm in a valley of suffering or anything.  I know that my Father has some changes He wants to make in me before He can take me to the next level of service to Him.  I know that He is working in my heart and changing me from "Glory to Glory" and I am SOO thankful.  I am thankful that He will not leave me as I am and that He is faithful to "Complete the good work that He began in me."

What about you?  Do you struggle with waiting on God?  I'm pretty sure everyone does at some time?  Let me encourage you to
"Be still and know that He is God".
I also encourage you to share your stories here.  I would love to have some company in this!

Blessings!


5 comments:

Anonymous said...

You were only supposed to take after me in the really good stuff, not the stuff that needs a lot of work. But you my child are so much like me, only better. You have learned at a much earlier age to give it all to God, all the time. Now I am learning from you. Thank you God for such a wonderful daughter and giving her the gift of writing for Your Glory. I love you Ann-Marie and I am so proud of you. Mom

Melanie said...

Stopping by from SITS....Good for you fo rfollwing His call and being still when He asks. It is hard!!!

Melanie
www.tutubugblog.blogspot.com

cheri said...

sometimes i wonder what God wants me to do, what i'm called for. i mean, it has to be more than motherhood, right? yet, whenever i pray, i hear him say enjoy this moment. BE IN THE MOMENT.

from SITS :)

Rachel said...

So, a few weeks ago, I read a book that was set in Italy. I sort of remember the plot, but what really stuck with me was the Italians' way of life. They do everything slower. Meals take hours. I believe they even take breaks in the day to rest. God spoke to me through that. Since then, I have tried to remind my self to be "Italian." I've tried to enjoy slowing down, actually finishing things, and letting myself get better with TIME.

You're such an encouragement! :) Love you!

Irma@CosasBellas said...

What an incredible example you set for others who are struggling with following Gods direction. You are truly an inspiration. My family has certainly been put out of our comfort zone the past few years, but not to that extent. I pray the Lord uses us in a mighty way someday too!

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