Patricia Bryan

Well, the last few days have been a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, and a test of faith. My daughter had a seizure on the 24th and is having tests and Dr. visits to determine the reason. As this is her second one, it is being treated seriously.

This is one of those tough times that we all face at some point. A time when the rubber meets the road, when our faith is tested; a time when the depth of God’s Word in us rises up and strengthens us.

I guess you could say, how we handle the tough times is a direct reflection of how much time we have spent with the Lord in prayer and fellowship.  It is as though we draw on the depth of those moments with Him to bring us through in a way that is pleasing to Him.

In the first couple days - particularly as I was beginning to dose in sleep and just awakening in the morning - I found my mind racing with negative thoughts. At those moments, some of my favourite verses came to me:

Philippians 4:6-9
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Wow, what would we do without God’s promises? As I began praying - even anticipating His peace that would enfold me - I felt my faith build.  I remembered how He had come through so many times before and what awesome things He accomplished during some terrible situations. I remembered how He had blessed me with my daughter.

At times I found myself clinging to verses 8 and 9, piece-by-piece, testing my thoughts and bringing them in line with His Word.

But more than anything, I was reminded of His great love for me and my family and  how He is in control of everything.

So, despite the “not-knowing” or understanding, my faith is strong and I am at peace…just as His Word promises!

Following on from yesterday’s entry, I smile when I remember how everyone raised their hands when I asked who was waiting on the Lord for something.

Ah, the waiting room! I believe we put the Lord to so much work in this one area alone. At least I know it’s true for me. Thankfully I have become more patient because of what I have gone through but I still have such a long way to go. Thank the Lord for His mercy and patience.

So, are you waiting? Do you find yourself trying to make things happen instead of seeking the Lord and waiting for His guidance and fulfillment? I recall Abraham and Sarah, waiting for God to fulfill His promise for a child. When He took longer than they liked, they decided to take matters in their own hands and work to see God’s plan fulfilled through their own efforts. The result was Sarah’s maidservant, Hagar, giving birth to Abraham’s son, Ishmael. (Genesis 16:1-16) This was not God’s promise.

It can be hard for us to wait on God and not manipulate matters or get into a state of worry, doubt and depression. Like Abraham and Sarah, we can feel as though He has forgotten us and doubt that He will ever come through.

As we see further in Abraham’s life, God was always there, and His timing and purpose for Abraham were fulfilled (Genesis 21:1-5).  Abraham had a long wait from the time of  God’s promise to the birth of his son, Isaac, (25 years) but through those years God was steadily unfolding His plan.

It’s important during those tough times of waiting that we stay close to the Lord and stand firm in faith.  His Word says he will never leave nor forsake us.

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”     Deuteronomy 31:8

We must stay strong and focused on Him, looking to His great plan for us even though we can’t understand how this difficult time could be an important part of it.

¹¹ 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. ¹² Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  Jeremiah 29:11-13

Be comforted in knowing that you’re not alone in the waiting room!  We’re right there with you.  Remember always, it’s good to wait on the Lord; He has such wonderful surprises in store for all of us!

This is the morning after our first meeting on “Developing a Lifestyle of Prayer”. We thoroughly enjoyed Chapter 1 of Jim Cymbala’s DVD, “When God’s People Pray”!

We were all reminded of God’s desire to have us seek Him, spend time with Him, and bring our requests to Him. He is motivated by His great love for us and we need to be motivated by our great love for Him. When we love someone, we naturally want to spend time with them and please them, and we should yearn to do even more for Him.

We believe that these times together are the first steps to growing in our Christian walk and Developing a Lifestyle of Prayer.

“Where there is real Faith, there is real Prayer.” Jim Cymbala

Here are the verses for further study and contemplation:
Genesis 4:26b, Jeremiah 33:3, James 4:2b, James 5:13a, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 John 5:14-15, Ephesians 3:20-21.