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Author Topic: Waiting: In Vain  (Read 7705 times)
Janet Easson Martin
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« on: July 09, 2016, 08:26:11 pm »

Waiting: In Vain

This past week I had to get my records from one medical center to another in order to schedule an appointment with a new doctor.  So I called the center on my cell phone.  After speaking with an administrative staff member of the first center I found she could not help me but instead transferred me to the medical records department.  I held on as the recorded message began it's circular wrap - 'a member of our staff will be with you momentarily so please keep holding; we care about our customers so we will be with you shortly; we are interested in giving each customer the best of care so we are currently helping the caller before you; we want to help you so please don't hang up...and then this string of words repeats itself...again...and again...

After 30 minutes I thought they should be picking up my call soon.  After 45 minutes I wanted to hang up, but really needed my records, so I hung on longer...and...longer.  After one hour and fifteen minutes I considered hanging up, but I didn't want to call and wait all over again, so I continued "chained" to my phone fearing I might miss when someone picked up.  After one hour and 45 minutes I got the brilliant idea of calling the records department myself on my house phone.  To my great surprise a real person answered right away and did indeed help me. It was safe to now hang up my call on the cell phone even though the message was still repeating itself.  I had likely been transferred to some office where no one was going to answer.  I was waiting in vain.

Afterwards, I told God I trusted he had some kind of lesson in that instead of just wasting time.  Almost immediately he brought something to mind.  How many times have I been waiting in vain?  For something other than God (and left hanging)?  How many times have I hoped for trouble and pain to just disappear (and been left hanging)?  How often have I chosen to wait for something else to deliver me, and in the big picture still been found longing?  All that kind of waiting was just wasting time because there would be no real help coming.

Interestingly, God has been whispering to my heart  the phrase "the sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods" (Psalm 16:4).  My Father in Heaven is trying to protect me from unnecessary sorrow. He's telling me I can have safety, refuge and true joy waiting on Him instead.  He knows I will set myself up for continued and increasing disappointment if I wait on something other than Him.  We all know it's true, but need to be reminded "Whoever BELIEVES in Him WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED"!

He delights in us too much to let us keep focusing on idols certain to disappoint.




"You will fill me with JOY in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16:11


« Last Edit: July 11, 2016, 08:09:54 pm by Janet Easson Martin » Logged

For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.        - Saint Augustine
Janet Easson Martin
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« Reply #1 on: July 11, 2016, 09:30:33 pm »

Waiting: In Faith


The other day I met with a longtime and very loyal friend.  As we arranged we met at a restaurant halfway for lunch.  However, a simple miscommunication caused us to meet forty-five minutes after we had planned. So as I sat in the restaurant and she sat in her car at the same restaurant we waited for each other.  Because our friendship is special and we don't see one another often, I appreciated the extra time while waiting to seek God about particular requests for our time together.  I ask for certain needs to be met.  I asked that he would grow our friendship and glorify himself in it.  I thanked him for the friendship. I thanked him that he made us to so easily understand each other. I thanked for all kinds of things. I asked that I would be a great encouragement to her precious soul. I asked things the Spirit put on my heart. And when I was done I waited expectantly for him to grant those blessings and more.  Being that it was forty-five minutes after I arrived, I finally decided to check my cell phone.  And then, after our mutual bafflement, we enjoyed a delightful time over lunch and an extremely good visit exploring the mall afterward.  I was thrilled to see God at work in answer to my prayers.

As I reflected on the strange circumstances of us both being at the same place, but unable to find one another; I felt strongly that My Heavenly Father saw it as more important for me to pray than to meet on time.  I believe He wanted to build my faith and have opportunity to show his lovingkindness in answering my prayers.  I believe he wanted to delight both of us by reminding us that He is the author of our friendship and that He makes it grow sweeter with His awesome care.  

I really do believe that waiting in faith, by prayer, changed the course of our time together.  It changed my attitude and my expectations.  God's faithfulness changed my entire day. It increased my motivation to talk with Him more frequently.

We could have instead dwelt on each other's fault because of waiting so long for the other to show.  But, even the waiting was made satisfying because of activating my faith.  It really reminded me how important prayer is to each thing I'm doing. How God longs for me to ask so he can demonstrate his faithfulness.

« Last Edit: July 14, 2016, 06:34:32 pm by Janet Easson Martin » Logged

For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.        - Saint Augustine
Janet Easson Martin
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« Reply #2 on: July 14, 2016, 06:33:13 pm »

Waiting: For Redemption


The mystery of trouble in our lives; not comprehending wounds we've suffered, or loss we may still grieve is addressed in this profoundly encouraging video from Explore God.  Below is the link for this three minute testimony.  Pray you are given great hope through it's message.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmjtVECPdaM&sns=em



« Last Edit: July 15, 2016, 03:08:46 pm by Janet Easson Martin » Logged

For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.        - Saint Augustine
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« Reply #3 on: July 18, 2016, 09:01:02 pm »

Waiting:  To Have Value


Some or all of us have felt ignored or even rejected at times.  Chosen last for a team.  Finding no seat in the school cafeteria.  Short on incoming Valentines.  Passed over for a party.  Or just left out of the loop.  

It was also easy to feel especially left OUT in GCX.  Those IN wore it like a robe of honor, and often looked with subtle disdain upon those "under" them or outside their inner circle.  In general, these "outsiders" were not treated with as much value.  Consequently, it was easy to falsely conclude that God was that same way toward us, too. That we somehow needed to increase our performance to have his attention.  However, His own Word tells us just the opposite:



"How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.  They cannot be numbered!"

Psalm 139:17 NLT



« Last Edit: July 19, 2016, 07:50:43 pm by Janet Easson Martin » Logged

For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.        - Saint Augustine
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« Reply #4 on: July 19, 2016, 07:49:21 pm »

Waiting:  For God to Settle Our Hearts and Our Nation


In light of the conventions beginning, I looked for some higher thoughts about the lack of law and order in our country today.  I found my mind and heart transcended as I prayed along with Condolezza Rice in the short video I discovered today.  To settle your heart and give it security, click on the link to her sincere prayer below:

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=Y7DZYWNX

« Last Edit: July 20, 2016, 04:36:46 am by Janet Easson Martin » Logged

For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.        - Saint Augustine
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« Reply #5 on: July 31, 2016, 08:56:31 pm »

Waiting:  To Earn Blessings?


Too many have erroneously learned that we must work for God's favor or blessing.  Some of us, as if we were trying to appease him.  Do you know how sad that must make our Heavenly Father?  

He sacrificed everything that we would receive and enjoy His blessings simply by faith (present active faith). In fact, it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God with any "godly works" UNLESS they are motivated or carried out through FAITH!  

The brief video below highlights this crucial truth:





"Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens."



« Last Edit: August 03, 2016, 04:38:15 am by Janet Easson Martin » Logged

For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.        - Saint Augustine
Janet Easson Martin
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« Reply #6 on: August 16, 2016, 09:48:04 pm »

Waiting:  To Find Real Shelter


For me now church is like a relaxed extended family meeting faithfully and often, treating each other with respect, appreciating the individual paths each is on, and supporting one another in those.  How delighted our Heavenly Father must be as we listen to and mutually encourage each other.  Our load is lightened and better perspective is gained.  And I have shelter from the difficulties of life and a place to fit in in a sometimes unfriendly world.

I hadn't realized just how much of a soul shelter church really is to me until I read the words below:



I love church. Shelter in my stormy
childhood. Anchor in endless waves.
A place of belonging in adulthood
in a less & less welcoming world.


2 days ago - Twitter from Beth Moore

« Last Edit: August 17, 2016, 06:28:12 am by Janet Easson Martin » Logged

For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.        - Saint Augustine
margaret
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« Reply #7 on: August 17, 2016, 06:54:33 am »

I read that too, Janet, and realized how far from that was my former GCM church. I'm still leery of churches, but maybe one day, I'll find one like that.
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Janet Easson Martin
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« Reply #8 on: August 26, 2016, 08:13:28 pm »

Margaret,

I understand especially with what you had suffered for so long.  It's good that God is present with us always as believers and not because we attend church.

Though with churches where the Spirit of God is freely reigning in the people and in the leadership, the sweetness of fellowship is so strong sometimes that you don't want to leave.

Janet
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For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.        - Saint Augustine
Janet Easson Martin
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« Reply #9 on: August 26, 2016, 08:42:41 pm »

I personally believe it is normal to feel lackluster sometimes about God and spiritual things.  I lean toward believing God allows these times to help us be humble about where our passion really comes from.  Not from us, but from our realization of our neediness of Him.  Focusing on the author of our faith will stir it up again.  Below is a short prayer concerning such a need.


Waiting:  For You

I praise you when I don't understand what's going on.  I praise you that you are in charge over my life.  I praise you when the way seems clouded, for darkness and light and dimness are alike to you. I am so grateful that you know me through and through. I can rest in you carrying me. I can count on you leading me through the muddy waters. You are all knowing, you are all wise, you are all powerful, you are all the light I need, and you are LOVE itself.

I don't need to be ashamed when my flesh is tired, when I personally lack power.  You say I can boast to you of my weakness, for only in the acknowledgement of it will I find supernatural strength.  Praise you that you will rescue me from my enemies who whisper lies to me.  I will trust in You.  And you will gloriously deliver me.  I WAIT for You.


« Last Edit: August 27, 2016, 07:52:34 pm by Janet Easson Martin » Logged

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« Reply #10 on: August 27, 2016, 08:23:45 pm »

Waiting Here For You


Great Song by Christy Nockels to focus on our Faithful and Loving Deliverer, Jesus Christ.   I loved it for most of the stanzas, but my attention span gave out toward the end.  Guess 'you had to be there'.  Really like her music. Here is the video of this live worship song, Waiting Here For You, at Passion 2011 "Conference":

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=9CFF01NU


« Last Edit: August 27, 2016, 08:27:15 pm by Janet Easson Martin » Logged

For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.        - Saint Augustine
Janet Easson Martin
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« Reply #11 on: June 23, 2022, 08:41:29 am »


Waiting

In HOPE



Some people stand over believers in order to intimidate and oppress them, some people stand before believers to impress them and exult themselves, and some people stand humbled with believers to lift them up and propel them to trust and adore God.

I believe the messenger here is using the gifts of encouragement and prophecy through God’s power to lift up the disappointed, the discouraged, and the distraught to not give up; but persevere in hope waiting for God’s miraculous working.


There was also a prophet, Anna... She never left the temple
but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them
 at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all
who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Luke 2:36-39


And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.

Joel 2:28



Link to: “Your Miracle is on the Other Side of Perseverance”

https://youtu.be/U73uTr8o7zs


« Last Edit: June 23, 2022, 10:31:57 am by Janet Easson Martin » Logged

For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.        - Saint Augustine
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