God Moments and the Patient Process...

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!  Susie Larson here...

And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way.

Each month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog.  So leave a post, share an insight or story, bless lots of people, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and friend! 

Now on to my topic...

This morning during my prayer time, this little passage jumped out at me: When they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped (Exodus 4:31).

Guess who that verse is talking about? I'm sure the reference from Exodus gives it away. In Exodus four we read about the time when God called the self-aware and unqualified Moses to do a mighty impossible task: to appear before the Pharaoh and lead the Israelites to freedom. And when the Israelites heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.

The bummer part of that story is that it didn't take long for the Israelites to accuse, take up an offense, stomp their feet, shake their fists, and betray the one who stuck his neck out for them.

Truly though, when they heard of God's concern for them, it was a God-moment, sacred enough to bring them to their knees.

We must never discount those God moments when He speaks to us, makes promises to us, and gives us His divine assurance that He'll be with us no matter what. Because the thing is, those God moments often precede a battle where everything God has promised is threatened or seems up for grabs. Every time God makes a promise, the devil makes a plan. And when the enemy presses in, we can be tempted to grab for ourselves, gripe at God, and grind our gears in our own strength.

As I've said many times before, Lord, help us to remember in the darkness what You told us in the light! 

It takes time to lay hold of the things God has promised us, not because God needs time, but because we do. He is fully committed to the idea of giving us a free will to make our own choices. He moves at our pace because He loves us and wants to keep us moving True North - in the direction of His ultimate plan for our lives. 

We must be patient in the process. Far too often, it's God who is waiting on us! The Israelites took 40 years to complete a trek that should have only taken a couple of weeks or so. Even so, God makes all things beautiful in their time. 

On the other hand, we can be completely submitted to His purposes in our lives and still feel like we are in the 'waiting season' forever and a day. God, at times, seems completely content to leave us in a desert season for far too long. Especially in the desert places, we must remember those God-moments when He showed up, spoke to us, and promised us His provision.

Don't let the enemy sidetrack you with questions like, 'Did God really say...?" or "Do you really think He cares about this puny desire in your heart?" 

God loves us deeply. He puts dreams in our hearts. He speaks to His people. And the Bible says that His promises are backed by all of the honor of His name.

Trust in the Name of the Lord. He will not fail you! Cherish those God moments, they are loving gifts from an intimate Father. Hang on in faith; don't let go. In due time, the season will change and you will lay hold of what God's best will for you.

~Until next week.

Comments

[Michelle Iffert]

Hi Susie! I met you last year at hearts at home in bloomington,IL. Love your blog and I wanted to say I hear God speaking to me right now in my life; although sometimes my insecurities don't allow me to hear Him. The best medicine for is making sure what I hearGod saying parallels with God's Word!

[Lorilee]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just yesterday I had been sent a job board with a job just 3 miles from my house with my name written all over it. I printed off my resume and cover letter and walked in the building with all the confidence I could muster and request to meet the person in charge of reviewing resumes. I was met by a very kind woman who proceeded to tell me they had hired for the position. I had already explained to her that I had just gotten the notice that day of the opening and of the close proximity to the job and she took time to look at my resume and did say that they would keep the information in case it did not work out. I walked out of the building feeling like a truck had hit me. Why did God send me on a goose chase with such excitement???? Why does it continue to feel like it is the perfect fit and then "slam" the door shuts!? This message hit me where it needed even thought I already know that God has the ultimate plan..I still just get so frustrated!!!!!!!!!!!! So at His mercy I wait..yet again?!!!

[Kathy S]

Amen! I receive it! I needed a jolt of encouragement today too! :)

[Starla Smith]

5 years ago I attended a worship night at a local church. Ever since I was a small girl all I wanted to do was sing. At that meeting a woman named Rachel walked up to me and told me that had been watching me and that the Lord says I am a david, one ushers in the presence of the Lord. That I was a worship leader. Over the years I had heard that same thing said to me. I fought with fear and anxiety. Fear of messing up on stage. But I believed that one day God would fullfil that promise. I joined the worship team at my church 6 months ago. Yesterday I attended our weekly meeting and 3 of us were told we were the main worship leaders!!! I was one of them!! God is faithful!! He delivers everytime!! AMEN!!! Hold on friends to those things He tells you and in due time when He has ripened His fruit in you. All around you will Taste and See that the Lord is GOOD!

Starla

[Liesl]

Wow, Steve and I were just talking about this exact thing today. I was telling him how I felt like God was asking me to lay aside an upcoming audition for a show (which, as you know, is something I absolutely love) and for the first time (I may have felt a nudge like this before, but ignored it because I just love doing musicals so much) I'm obeying. Then it struck me about how many blessings I may have missed because I didn't obey God right away. I'm doing a study by Anne Graham Lotz about Abraham and am just fascinated by his obedience. Of course, that's not necessarily saying God is going to bring some awesome opportunity along in place of this particular show, but I am so excited to finally be obeying that still, small voice. Rather than feeling sad about "giving up something I love" like I always thought I'd feel, I am honored to obey the One who created me with those gifts and desires in the first place. He is teaching me so much! And I know this is just the beginning :) How cool is that? Thanks for another great post. Love you so much!

[Susie Larson]

Hi Michelle,

Welcome! So glad you stopped by! You make such a good point, that our insecurities keep us from hearing God! That's good! May God continue to lift your chin and speak life to your soul! There's great healing available in His presence. Bless you, my dear!

[Susie Larson]

Dear Lorilee,

I'm so sorry that it's been such an enduring and painful journey for you! I do know this: you will not walk through the wilderness forever! Keep pressing in, keep believing, and keep trusting. Keep obeying, planting seeds of faith, and take time simply to rest in His presence. In due time, you most certainly will see the breakthrough! Blessings, sister!

[Susie Larson]

Dear Kathy,

You are a ray of sunshine and a mighty influencer for the Kingdom! I'm thankful the Lord allowed our paths to cross!

Bless you, my sister!

[Susie Larson]

What a great testimony, Starla!

Thanks for sharing it! We were just talking on the show the other day about how important it is to have encouraging and prophetic words spoken to us. May you continue to walk in the fullness of your calling!

Bless you, sister!

[Susie Larson]

Lisa,

You are growing into such a beautiful woman of faith! I love how you've submitted your hopes and dreams to the Lord, time and time again. You've given Him your heartaches and disappointments, in fact you've given Him your life - and look what a beautiful story He is writing now!

It's an honor to be a part of it all.

Love you dearly, honey.