I can certainly relate to waiting on God for something important and wondering why it's taking so long. I just asked God what He requires of us during the wait while praying and talking with my husband. I think that's really important. Thanks for the post. It's hopeful.
I know something about waiting when the circumstances around me seem to say that nothing is changing. Joseph’s story reminds me that one of the greatest temptations in a long season of waiting is to mistake what I can see for everything God is doing. A prison wall may define the limits of my vision, but it does not define the limits of His activity. That distinction has become important to me: God’s silence and God’s absence are not the same thing.
The question that stays with me is, Who am I becoming while I wait?
I cannot always determine when a door will open, but I can decide whether disappointment will make me bitter or deepen my dependence upon Christ. Joseph continued serving and practicing integrity while his own prayer remained unanswered. That challenges me. I am learning that waiting is not wasted time simply because I cannot see movement. Sometimes God is preparing circumstances beyond my sight, and sometimes He is preparing me; either way, my calling remains the same: faithfully live the life Christ has placed before me today and trust Him with the part of the story I cannot yet see.
Thank you Chris. I needed to read this today. God uses your writing time and time again in my life. Today, in my journal, I pictured a ship “becalmed” stuck in the ocean with no wind to move it and no harbor to head to. The storm has passed, but the waiting continues. That is my life. And probably that is how Joseph felt as well. I needed to remember Joseph in jail. God blessed him there but it wasn’t his final destiny.
I can see how you can relate to these points if you are a believer and are praying for something for yourself.
My question is how to pray these points for someone else... someone who is not seeking God's direction for themselves, but I am seeking God's direction for them and their situation.
I can certainly relate to waiting on God for something important and wondering why it's taking so long. I just asked God what He requires of us during the wait while praying and talking with my husband. I think that's really important. Thanks for the post. It's hopeful.
Chris,
I know something about waiting when the circumstances around me seem to say that nothing is changing. Joseph’s story reminds me that one of the greatest temptations in a long season of waiting is to mistake what I can see for everything God is doing. A prison wall may define the limits of my vision, but it does not define the limits of His activity. That distinction has become important to me: God’s silence and God’s absence are not the same thing.
The question that stays with me is, Who am I becoming while I wait?
I cannot always determine when a door will open, but I can decide whether disappointment will make me bitter or deepen my dependence upon Christ. Joseph continued serving and practicing integrity while his own prayer remained unanswered. That challenges me. I am learning that waiting is not wasted time simply because I cannot see movement. Sometimes God is preparing circumstances beyond my sight, and sometimes He is preparing me; either way, my calling remains the same: faithfully live the life Christ has placed before me today and trust Him with the part of the story I cannot yet see.
Blessings,
Ze Selassie
Thank you Chris. I needed to read this today. God uses your writing time and time again in my life. Today, in my journal, I pictured a ship “becalmed” stuck in the ocean with no wind to move it and no harbor to head to. The storm has passed, but the waiting continues. That is my life. And probably that is how Joseph felt as well. I needed to remember Joseph in jail. God blessed him there but it wasn’t his final destiny.
Don’t stop writing!
For the past 5 years the trials and tribulation were almost too much for me but my Faith in God pulled me through them .
I have prayed for years my ex husband and I would get together again and by some time God brought us together again after my family abandoned me.
We live together but as only friends and he has been my best friend even after the divorce.
I pray God will open his eyes and heart to Jesus. My Faith is stronger then ever and the thirst to read my Bible even more.
We need prayers not to lose our house and strengthen our relationship with each other and God.
Thank you and God bless you Abundantly
I love that analogy. I’ve never thought of it that way before.
Chris, thank you for this today.
I can see how you can relate to these points if you are a believer and are praying for something for yourself.
My question is how to pray these points for someone else... someone who is not seeking God's direction for themselves, but I am seeking God's direction for them and their situation.
I hope that makes sense.
Thanks.
Right where we are! But we know that His thoughts are not ours (thank goodness).
Someone once told me this joke:
"How do you make God laugh?"
Answer:
"Tell Him your plans!" 🤣🤣🤣
I needed this today. I have a lot of seeds planted that I am wating on. God knows what He is doing. I do not. I praise God for His sovereignty. 💜