In the Midst of it

Yesterday I missed my devotion time and I was truly in a funk for most of the day, but slowly around 11a I started to come alive. I am pretty sure it had nothing to do with the “nutritious” breakfast of a special K bar, yogurt and coffee. My brain just needed a little bit of time to warm up – it was Monday.
The devotion was entitled, “Waiting for the Rain,” mmm…how that just made my heart skip a beat. When I think of rain, I am usually not very excited unless I need to get some sleep; something about the sound of the rain makes me drift into a deep sleep. Anyway, the story started off about how this couple had been praying for job for the husband for two years. They felt as if their prayers were going unanswered, so in hopelessness and despair they stopping asking God for a job. The story then diverts to Elijah and the famine in the land of Samaria.

“In 1 Kings 18, after God, through Elijah, had defeated the prophets of Baal, Elijah began to pray for rain. Six times he petitioned God, six times the servant reported nothing, expectantly on the seventh plea, there was a cloud ‘as small as a man’s hand coming from the sea’. And it rained.”

My husband has been out of work for 11 months and needless to say we have felt the harsh reality of this economy. Recently he was called in for two interviews and we are still pending those responses, but in the midst of it all, I have had to keep a positive outlook for both us. He has been able to raise our daughter from the age of 7 months. They have this bond that may not have been established, if he had not been unemployed. She has learned to “dribble and shoot” basketball, dance to all genres of music, and wrestle. I have to remind him that one of his heart’s desires was to see all the little things he missed with his other daughter and God has provided that even though the road has been rough. In the midst of this I have learned that once again I am not in control of anything that I think I am and I have to fall on my face numerous times to ask God to forgive me for trying to sit in the driver’s seat.
It’s difficult to wait sometimes, especially when we are so desperate for His aid, His guidance, His answer. “Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9) Giving up, complaining, being angry – all these are just not options for us.

Let’s keep knocking on Heaven’s door, patiently waiting for our Father’s perfect plan, His perfect timing, to unfold. He is always working, always for our best.