#sometimesgodsayswait

[sometimesgodsayswait]

God is a Father

Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? --Matthew 6:26

What words come to mind when you think about your father? When I think about my father, I think about someone who is always there for me, someone who protects me, someone who provides for me, loves me, and wants the best for me. I know that my dad will support me and encourage me when I come to him hurt, troubled, or afraid. I have no doubt that my father loves me, and I trust that he will take care of all my needs. 

“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.--Matthew 7:9-11

For someone who holds their earthly father in such high regard, I do not understand why it is sometimes hard for me to think of God, my Father, so positively. I trust that my dad will take care of me, with his limited resources, so why do I lack in the Creator of Heaven and Earth. I never doubt that my father loves me, but why do I sometimes doubt the love of God? Why do I sometimes question whether He really knows what is best for me? It is astonishing to realize how many lies I believe about God and His character. Today, I am going to reflect on the significance of God being my Father. I am a child a God and He loves me dearly. 

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! --1 John 3:1a

[sometimesgodsayswait]

God is Forgiving

Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. --Micah 7:18

One of the hardest things to do is to turn back to God after delighting in sin. Particularly when I have succumbed to temptation, for what seems to be the 1000th time, it is hard for me to stop wallowing in self-defeat and have hope that I will ever overcome these battles. Over the years, I have convinced myself that God wants nothing to do with me after I commit certain acts or fail to ‘live up to his expectation.’ So, hopeless and disappointed, I continue to spiral down my created path of iniquity, shame, and despair. 

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. --1 John 1:9

But, if we confess our sins, God  God can and does forgive us. 

for·give

verb

stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake.

synonyms:pardon, excuse, exonerate, absolve

cancel (a debt).

Just as it is hard to truly believe that God loves me because of who He is (and not what I do), it is hard to fathom that God truly does forgive us of our sins...ALL of our sins, from lying to fornication to murder. He forgives us of them all. I do not deserve this forgiveness, but I am grateful for it. God is who He says He is, regardless of what I do. My job is to believe Him, trust Him, forgive myself, and, importantly, confess my sins, and repent. God will take care of the rest. 

He does not punish us for all our sins;    he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him    is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us    as the east is from the west. --Psalm 103:10-12

[sometimesgodsayswait]

God is...?

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. --Deuteronomy 6:5

For the past few weeks, I have been reading Lady in Waiting: Becoming God’s Best While You Wait for Mr. Right by Jackie Kendall with one of my sisters. I am sure I will write multiple blog posts about this book in weeks to come (it is amazing, by the way!), but I want to focus on one particular concept today--becoming a “Lady of Devotion,” a woman after God’s own heart. However, in order to love God completely, I must know exactly who He is. 

This week, I was challenged to assess the beliefs and assumptions I currently hold about God and his character. This originally seemed like an easy task-- God is loving, kind, gracious, omnipotent, merciful...I even refer to Him as my Father, so of course I assume He takes care of me. However, upon further examination, I realized that, I do not always think of God positively, or that I even believe He is always loving, kind, and gracious. He may exhibit those qualities to others, but not always to me. My thoughts and responses to God when I am under spiritual attack, facing tribulations, or just not getting what I want, indicate that I do not always hold God in such high regard. 

“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” --Genesis 3:4-5

The author reminded me that Satan’s first attack on humans involved “destroying Eve’s confidence” in God’s character. And although the enemy has been around for centuries, many of his tactics and strategies remain the same. He does not want us to truly understand and know the depth of God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy. The enemy does not want us to view God as our Father, able to provide all of our needs, and to trust in His wisdom and direction. Can you imagine how unstoppable we would be if we truly believed God is who He says He is? 

“Your past experiences, present circumstances, or your parents’ devotion or lack thereof may cause you have an incorrect view of God. But nothing and no one can give you a clearer picture of the true God than slipping under His wings and discovering for yourself who God really is, the refuge for which you love. He desires for you to come again ‘into the garden’ and walk with Him in complete fellowship. This is the fullness of devotion”

Who do you really think God is? Do you believe He is The Almighty He says He is (Revelation 1:8), or do you doubt His goodness and love? Do you believe that God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good (Psalms 100:5, 136:1)? Do you believe that God is faithful and will protect you from the enemy (2 Thessalonians 3:3)? Do you truly believe that God is Jehovah Jireh, a Provider (Genesis 22:14), Jehovah Rapha, a Healer (Exodus 15:26), Jehovah Shalom, your Peace (Judges 6:24)? I could go on and on, but do you truly believe God is who He says He is?

I know that I hold an imperfect view of a perfect God. This week, I am going to challenge those distortions by studying who God says He is in His Word, and I would encourage you all to join me! I am looking forward to falling in love with God all over again.

And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. --Ephesians 3:18

[sometimesgodsayswait]

Keep on Knocking

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” –Matthew 7:7-8

When I was younger, I used to hate when my parents dragged me to door-to-door evangelistic efforts. As we walked around, knocking on each door, I got excited when someone did not answer the door after two or three knocks. At which time, I would just walk away, even though I heard the TV on in the background or sounds of commotion inside. Yes, I have a longstanding history of giving up too easily. That is not news. However, God recently revealed to me that I have the same trifling, lackadaisical approach to my prayer requests and prayer life.

Every weekday, I start the morning on the prayer line with one (or two) of my closest friends. The conversation usually goes something like this:

My friend: So, what are your prayer requests?

Me: Well, my friend is having a procedure done on Friday and needs prayers. I am also waiting to hear back regarding the position I applied for.

Her: Okay, well what about your friend’s health…you mentioned that a few weeks ago?

Me (Thinking): Yeah, well we prayed for that already Me: Okay, yes, she’s made some progress but she’s still not 100%. Definitely keep her in your prayers.

Her: Okay, my prayer request are… (lists multiple prayer requests that have been ‘on’ the line for weeks, maybe months now). Oh, and praise report, my coworker finally got the job we were prayer for! I told her we would take her prayer request off the line, but she told me to keep praying for her!

I never really understood the significance of continually praying for something until recently. Yes, God knows all our prayer requests and the Holy Spirit even intercedes on our behalf in our weakness (Romans 8:26), but there is power in continuing to pray for something. The act alone demonstrates faith that God will answer.

As my father taught me, unimpressed with my willingness to give up so easily on our evangelistic pursuits, people eventually come to the door if you keep knocking on it. Eventually, you will find what you are looking for if you keep searching for it. Keep on praying and asking God to fulfill your requests and eventually, God will give you want you ask for.

Now, I recognize God is not a genie who will grant us every wish just because we keep praying for it. However, I do believe that He will grant us our needs and heart’s desires that fall within His will. I cannot just pray for something once or twice and deem that an acceptable amount of time to ask God to do something in my life, or the lives of my friends.

“Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for.” –Matthew 7:7a

…And if he does not, He will at least answer the door to tell you he something different in mind. Because, frankly, sometimes God says no. Nevertheless, trust that only means He has something even greater in store for you and your life.

[sometimesgodsayswait]

New Year, Better Me

This year, instead of creating a long list of New Year’s resolutions, I was challenged to simply focus on, “one word that centers on your character and creates a vision for your future.” The purpose is to choose a word that represents what I hope God will do for me this year. By focusing on this word, instead of multiple resolutions, the hope is that I will embody this term, in all that I do, by the end of the year. For 2016, my one word resolution is to PERSIST.

per·sist

/pərˈsist/

verb

continue firmly or obstinately in an opinion or a course of action in spite of difficulty, opposition, or failure.

If you have been following me for any amount of time, you know that I have a tendency to give up. I give up on my workout and eating plans, any amount of difficult work I have to complete, and even with friendships and relationships. Things get difficult or are just taking too long (in my book) and that is usually the end of that for me. I also have a bad habit of giving up in various, difficult situations, losing faith that God will do what He promised He would do. 

In 2015, I was a quitter. In 2016, I will be persistent. 

2016 will be the year of not giving up on myself and not giving up on my goals.I will continue to write and post even when my work schedule gets busy. I will not quit when I feel like I cannot do something. I will continue to workout even if it does not seem like I am making progress towards my goals. I will not give up on God when I think He is not moving fast enough. 

In 2015, I was a quitter. In 2016, I will be persistent.

I am constantly in a state of waiting, waiting for God to answer prayers or waiting for Him to reveal His next step for my life. Despite the circumstances around me, I need to continue to persist in His will, in His love, and in His character. This will be the year that I finish what I start.

In 2015, I was a quitter. In 2016, I will be persistent.

I want to trust God, and even myself, when faced with difficulty, opposition, or failure. In 2016, I will not quit. I will persist. What will you do this year?

[sometimesgodsayswait]

Bah Humbug!

For the first time in my life, I am not excited about Christmas. My friends have called me “Scrooge,” I have asked my parents to turn off the Christmas lights, and I have probably only listened to five Christmas songs this month. Yes, I know Jesus is the reason for the season, and I should be spending my time reflecting on the wonderful gift God sent us many years ago. But, for some reason, I find myself sitting here, on Christmas eve, wondering where my Christmas spirit has gone.

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. --Philippians 4:19

Perhaps it is because, this year, I recognize that the things that I want are not material, but things that cannot be bought...and things that I do not expect to receive this Christmas. To be honest, the things I want most right now are love and acceptance. I want support and validation. I want peace and happiness. Shoot, I want a husband...there is no secret about that. However, I am realizing that I am looking for those things in all the wrong places and people. 

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. --Philippians 4:11

I am not content with what I have. I am currently displeased and disappointed with my current situation. I want more, I desire more, and a part of me feels like I will not happy until I get the things that I want (e.g., a husband, a new job). But that’s not the case. I should be content in my current situation because I have the same God walking with me throughout all stages of my life. Regardless of where I go, what I have, or what I do not have, I still have a Heavenly Father who loves and accepts me, and has already given me the best gift I could EVER ask for. If I receive nothing else in life, then I should be happy with what God has already given and sacrificed for me. 

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. --Isaiah 9:6

And while that’s easier said than done, I know what I need to do to get some of my Christmas spirit back this year. I need to spend my time focusing on what God has already given me, particularly the gift of His only Son, instead of yearning for the things that I do not have (yet). The source of my joy should be Jesus, and not anything else. He is truly the reason for the season. 

[sometimesgodsayswait]

Preparing to be a Helpmate

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” So the Lord God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one. He gave names to all the livestock, all the birds of the sky, and all the wild animals. But still there was no helper just right for him. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man. –Genesis 2:18-22

I recently had a conversation with God where I, again, asked him where my husband was. Granted, I am a little torn about whether I should be looking for him or he should be looking for me (you know, “he would findeth a wife finds a good thing…), but regardless, I have questions about his current location. Like, did he get lost along the way? Did he stop for snacks (my kind of man!)?

While I could spend more time wondering about when he will get here and how quickly he is coming, I have decided to devote this time of singleness to focus on my relationship with God and to better myself in preparation for my future husband’s arrival (because, I truly believe he is coming!). Now, there are some things that I know I need to work on, and not just for a man, but so that I can strive to be more and more like Christ each and every day. I know I need to work on my road rage, the way in which I respond to people when I am hangry (hungry + angry), and micromanaging people when I am feeling anxious. However, while reflecting on my areas of improvement, the Spirit made me aware of another area of interest: I ‘heard’ Him say, “How do you expect to be a helpmate if you are not willing to help anyone?”

Now, I like to keep things 100 honest with God, so I replied, “Excuse me! What are you talking about? I am one of the most selfless people I know. I am constantly going out of my way to help others.” I then stopped and was convicted…yes, I am willing to help others, but only when it is convenient for me. I love helping people, but I love helping people less after a long day of work and they call when I finally sit down for the first time in hours. I am less inclined to help others when they call during my favorite TV show or ask for a favor when I am already doing something. If I am annoyed when I am ‘inconvenienced’ by the requests of others now, then how do I expect to be a helpmate for a husband 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? If I am so “selfish” now, then how do I expect to set my needs and preferences aside to be there to help, support, and encourage the future head of the household?

For years, I have prided myself on being this ‘strong, independent, Black woman,’ and I do think there is some value in that. However, if I ever expect to serve someone in the capacity of a helpmate, to be submissive to the needs of my husband, then I have to be less independent and self-sufficient, and more concerned about caring for others, even when it is inconvenient for me. Yeah, I guess I can be pretty selfish at times. So, while I wait for this mystery person to arrive, I am going to try my best to be as selfless as I truly thought I was. Sometimes God says wait. And sometimes He gives you something to work on while you’re waiting.

[sometimesgodsayswait]

What has God done for you lately?

God is good. All the time. He has delivered us time and time again. He has provided for us, protected us, comforted us, loved us... The list goes on! I'm in the process of getting ready to share my testimony, and I wanted to know how God has been good to you! What has God done in your life? How has He blessed you? What has He done for you lately?