I am an organizer. A planner. I really like for my ducks to be in a row, and it makes me crazy when they start milling about uncontrollably. This creates a dilemma at times when my planning intersects my faith and patience in waiting on God to intervene.
Case in point: My missionary sister returns to the USA this weekend for a time of Medical Leave. Which means I have been trying to locate a place for her to live and a vehicle to use, preferably at no cost or minimal cost to her. (The IMB pays missionaries based on the economy of the country in which they serve; my sister is in a third-world South American country.) Few churches have missionary residences any more; the one she has typically used during her Stateside Assignments (previously called furlough) is occupied for the foreseeable future.
Apartments quickly get expensive. And the uncertainty of having an open-ended timeframe - she could be here 2 months or 6 months or more - makes it really difficult to find something affordable and appropriate. Then there's the whole aspect of basic furniture and a car.
So as the last 3 weeks have passed and time barrels toward this weekend, I have gotten a bit more stressed out. I am perfectly fine with God showing up at the last minute with provision. I would just like Him to tell me He's gonna show up! But alas, while He's never late, He's also never early. And since He created the ducks, He can certainly get them lined up correctly.
So I wait and wait and wait. . . .
according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:19)
Psalm 37:7
I waited patiently for the LORD;
He turned to me and heard my cry.
Psalm 40:1
You will answer, O Lord my God
Psalm 38:15
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for Him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in Him,
to the one who seeks Him;
it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Lamentations 3:24-26
Somehow it doesn't surprise me that there are no Scripture verses containing the word ducks!
I'm here with you, also waiting for the ducks to align. Will be praying for your situation and sister, and praying for a good report for her.
ReplyDeleteI hope your duck waiting is going well :)
ReplyDeletethank you for visiting my blog saturday. I see you are also in Texas blogging gals! nice to 'meet' you
Shona
My friend, we are so much alike in this regard! I trust that He is going to provide, but I keep nagging Him to do it right now! Praying that all will fall into place and ease your mind....
ReplyDeleteXandra
That's a big responsibility. I know that God provides, ultimately, not you, but you play a major part in his provision. I hope you find something soon (Hello, Lord?) so that you can have some peace.
ReplyDeleteNo, he never moves when we want him to move. We tangle over this issue often. Stay encouraged.
ReplyDeleteI'll pray for this provision. It's hard to wait, I know.
ReplyDeleteLet us know how this works out - and I know it will. Hope your sister has a relaxing time in the states.
ReplyDelete"and since He created the ducks, He can certainly get them lined up correctly"
ReplyDeleteA lesson for us all.
Good Luck.....I know, I know, luck has nothing to do with it.
Have a great day!
Linda, I will add my prayers too.
ReplyDeleteI have added prayers as well -- for your sisters housing and transportation needs, for your sister's health issues, and for your stress.
ReplyDelete