I have a confession to make–I am not a patient person.
Those who really know me are scoffing and muttering, “No kidding.” But, I’m learning to wait–to wait for small children to do things for themselves even though it’s much easier and faster for me to do it, to wait on finances to become available for major household projects, to wait for my boys to become self-motivated to get decent educations, to wait for the next step in my writing career.
Right now, I’m waiting for a yes or a no. Small one-word answer that will change my life. My manuscript is on an editor’s desk or in her e-mail inbox, waiting to be read and a response given.
The waiting is hard. Every time the phone rings, I wonder if it’s Rachelle with news. Nope, so far, she hasn’t called…but she will call…someday.
Yesterday, during worship service, we sang I Love You, Lord. Following the song, our pastor prayed and asked that not only our voices be lifted up, but also, our hearts. As I sang, and then listened to his words, I felt wrapped in God’s peace.
I write to honor God and to touch hearts through my characters and their situations. In my head, I substituted and I lift my voice with and I lift my words. At that moment, I felt God telling me to surrender the antsy feeling, the wondering, the nerves jumping every time the phone rings, and to just be patient.
I write to honor God and to touch hearts through my characters and their situations. In my head, I substituted and I lift my voice with and I lift my words. At that moment, I felt God telling me to surrender the antsy feeling, the wondering, the nerves jumping every time the phone rings, and to just be patient.
A scripture from Psalm 46:10a NIV has been kicking around in my head for the past week or so:
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Be still. Wow, that’s a tough request for this multi-tasker. Oh, and have I mentioned I’m not the most patient person? But, I’m learning.
I need to be still and know He is God. Everything works out according to His timetable. No surprises are in store for Him.
No matter what we may be going through, whether it’s waiting on an editor’s response, a healing miracle for a loved one, finances to pay the bills, or even a job to earn money for those piling bills, we need to keep our faith and trust in God because He does know what’s best for us. We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future.
Share your thoughts: What’s going on in your life that has you waiting, wondering? How are you dealing with it?
Photo courtesy of iStockphoto.
I've had a manuscript at pub board since Feb, at least my agent turned in the tip sheet Feb 25th. Still waiting to hear. I keep on writing, I've finished another manuscript and starting the next. Still waiting. Ya think God's trying to teach me something? 😉
Lovely post, Lisa. That is one of my favorite verses. I'm waiting right alonside you, girl. No, it isn't easy! That's for sure! In fact, for whatever reason, this morning I decided to go back and read some older prayer journals and the post I published on my blog after I got The Call from RG. Not sure if that was a good idea or a bad idea. I think I do best when I just focus on the story I'm writing now and try not to think about all the other stuff. I get antsy when I think about all the other stuff!
Hopefully we'll both get a call soon!
Love ya,
Katie
Lisa, limbo is such a tough place. It's where we learn so much, though. I am hoping your call from Rachelle will be fruitful, will come sooner than later, and your book will be on store's bookshelves soon.
Waiting just makes me more impatient! Ugh, I know what you mean. I'm such an impatient person. This is the Psalm God led me to the other day: Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Now I'm going to be hoping for good news from you as well as Katie! 🙂
I'm waiting but on the other side–that an agent will think I'm worth the shot:) I pray you hear awesome news!!
I just sent up a power prayer for you! I'm not the most patient person either but I do see God's hand move in my life enough to know He's still here, in control and watching over my every move. Can't wait to hear the good news. When you get that multi book deal, shout it from the roof tops, will you? I love to hear good report.
Eeek! Very, very exciting for you! I also have a full on R's desk, since Feb, actually, and the waiting makes me want to scream. LOL But like you said, life is full of things we need to be patient for. 🙂
Great post!
btw, did you see that you won Witemeyer's book? E-mail me at jessica_nelson7590 AT yahoo DOT com
I'll e-mail you in a bit if I don't hear from you. 🙂
Oh joy!
I knew when I saw the title of your post that I'd enjoy it.
This is one of my favorite verses.
😀
It holds so much authority, and yet so much love for us that it's unfathomable!
What a saying God put in there.
Be still…
I really enjoyed this post.
Thanks so much.
Great post! I have been learning to trust God and wait on His timing in regards to our house selling. It's been on the market for one year and if the current contract doesn't go through, it will probably go into foreclosure. It's hard to understand God's timing and His purpose, but I have learned through this that He is in control. I cannot do a thing to make anything happen. I just trust He knows what He's doing. (and He DOES!) 🙂