50 Days of Waiting #3

While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, 
but to wait there for the promise of the Father. 

- Acts 1:4

T -minus- 6 days and counting... we will be leaving Phoenix and, if all goes well, this time next week we will be somewhere between Utah and Idaho, bound for Billings, Montana.

Waiting is so hard.  Waiting for what... we don't know.  Will we be able to go straight through?  Will there be any problems with the RV?  Will the roads be clear and easy to traverse (snow has been through the northern region just this past Sunday).  Waiting to see what job God will give us there.  Wondering how all will balance and fall into place to settle in.

But the hardest waiting, is waiting for understanding.  

Today I was reminded of our trials and tribulations while in Tennessee.  Two-and-a-half months of some of the most difficult ministry work and persecution I think we have ever experienced.  Holding tight to every last shred of light we could still glimpse in the darkness that surrounded us.  

Two-and-a-half months... was that really all?  It felt like forever as we waited for everything to come together.  What is two-and-a-half-months, really, but a blink... a moment.... a breath in all of time.  Yet in the waiting it seemed endless and, at times, almost insuferable!!  

But isn't that just it?  The valleys we walk through, the waiting as we trudge and as we do, we find ourselves closer to the One who is always close.  The valley may be dark, it may be hard to see, but HE is always there, guiding us like a Good Shepherd.  And out we will rise... we always rise, sometimes sooner or later than other times... but always. 

The mountains will bring peace to the people,
And the little hills, by righteousness.

Psalm 72:3 (NKJV) 

Peace and righteousness are what we rise to what God lifts us to as we exit the valley.  That is our hope and joy though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.  Waiting, walking and knowing... KNOWING the Shepherd is with me, guiding me, growing me, teaching me... makes it all so wonderful in the end!

I pray, whether you are in valleys, on hills, or enjoying the view from a mountaintop, that the waiting in-between grows and blesses you and expands your awe and love of our One True King!

Blessings,

 

  

 Also linking up with some of these

To see 50 Days of Waiting #1 click here. and #2, click here.

If you want to swipe my graphic and wait with me... please do!  I would love to find I am gathered with many, as the disciples were, waiting.


If you decide to wait with me, feel free to share below as well.  The only rules are that your post must be about scripture, prayer, or any area of your life where you are waiting on the Lord or seeing Him move.  I can't promise a particular day of link-up (I know, big no-no in Linky etiquette!!) but we will be traveling again soon so my Internet access will be spotty at times.  Watch the site, watch on Facebook... it will increase the value of waiting!  Or contact me if you might be willing to guest host a specific day of link-up as I prepare and travel :-)


Share how you are waiting on the Lord right now.  Enter into the upper room with us...

Share how you are waiting on the Lord right now.