A Sigh of Relief!

Despite the fact that I have a million things to do and my calendar looks like a pen exploded all over it, I am at peace this evening. A peace that I didn't have this morning, and results to a poopy situation that we didn't expect to be resolved as quickly as it has--well, there's still work to be done, but you know how things get worse before they get better? The worst part of it hit rock bottom today--and the part about it getting better is going to take time and effort, but be a cakewalk compared to the descent. (Cryptic enough for you? Good.)

I have found my peace today in a faith lesson learned-a simple promise that we always claim, that God answers prayer.

This has been the conversation, almost a year of time as it progresses:

Me: This is my petition

God: Wait

Me: Okay, You know I'm not good at this waiting stuff, but I want to do this right, so I'll give it a try.

God: Wait

Me: So, I've been waiting awhile now...remember that petition, it's still there, but then again, You know that--I pray it often

God: Wait

Me: That petition again, I see how things have been placed in my path to make this change, but can you give me an idea of how this is going to change?

God: Nope. But you're doing okay. Just wait

Me: God, I don't understand this. I see you working, but I also see no outcome, and I can't see when that outcome will be.

God: *cricket cricket*

Me: I can't do this anymore! This situation plagues my thoughts, exasperates me to no end, has brought me to tears, and I want it to change--I've done everything I'm supposed to do, done all of the right things, sought counsel and advice, made every best effort. I'm at the end of my rope and really see no hope in this situation.

God: Hello? Is this thing on? WAIT

Me: *frustrated* Here's a few snarky remarks for you...

God: That's okay, I can take it. Still, wait

Me: I have no choice--all I can do is wait!

God: Exactly

...As time goes by, frustrations still exist, prayers of petition are still lifted by me and close friends, and at the culmination today...

Me: God! I see it! You did it! This totally came from left field--out of every possible result I could have had for the events today, this was not even on the radar.

God: Yep. See, while you were doing all that waiting and complaining, I was still working it out, according to MY will and not your desires

Me: *jaw on floor in awe* *slap upside the head of "lesson learned"* *lots and lots of praising and rejoicing*

Now, don't get me wrong--I don't converse in an audible voice with God as portrayed here, and this conversation has been made quite simplistic, but it doesn't diminish the meaning. I was doing what I knew to do: bring my frustration to the foot of the cross. I was also doing what I knew not to do: complain, whine, try to make the solutions happen myself, make God move in my timing (just to name a few). Even in my mistakes, God used this situation to show His power in my life. He worked, even when I doubted He was working, and His result was far greater than one I could have ever imagined or come to on my own.

In Jeremiah 33:3, The Lord has just come to Jeremiah a second time and says, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (NIV) God doesn't say that I'll answer right away, and those "great and unsearchable things" aren't the answers that we see or think we want.

So tonight I sit here with a bundle of emotions--elation, total peace, humbled before God, praising Him, satisfied, relieved in the weight that has been lifted, and renewed in a lesson that all of us need to learn once, and usually have to be re-taught several times through our walk with Christ.

So, I end with this tonight...

Me: There's not even the words in coherent language to properly thank you for not only working, but showing me again the importance of faith in You and Your Word.

God: My child, acknowledge Me, and serve Me with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for I search every heart and understand every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Me, I will be found by you; but if you forsake Me, I will reject you forever. Consider now, for I have chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I am with you. I will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. (Paraphrase made personal; 1 Chronicles 28:9-10,20)

Me: I will try to carry our Your admonition, but in reality, You know that I'm likely to mess up again.

God: I know, my child. And I will still be here, right alongside you, when you do