Saturday, October 2, 2010

Trust

I am not so good at waiting, but thankfully God is very patient with me, and so is my husband. ;) Lately we have been talking quite a bit about when and where to retire. This is a big decision for us, so it does not help that we are not sure of the when or where! We have moved so much in our lives, but with over 20 moves we still are not sure where we want to "spend the rest of our lives". When we were in the Air Force they decided where we should go, and in ministry we always prayed for God to lead us to the right call ~ the church He desired us to serve. For some reason putting this decison totally in our hands seemed daunting.

We decided to pray about where God wants us to "retire". We have always followed His guidance for our lives, and see no reason not to now. But, after months of prayer, He has not led us to one area yet. I want answers...yesterday. We seem to be spending a long time in a "waiting" mode. I have looked at houses in several different towns and more than one state...trying to figure out the where part of this equation. There seems to be so much to worry about ~ what would be best for our health ~ do we need more outdoor space....less indoor space....is it safe for me with all my allergies....It does not take long to work myself into a stressful state of mind.

Today as I prayed once again for God's guidance in this matter, Psalms 37:9 came up in our daily devotional "Those who wait upon the Lord with inherit the land." There is that word again!

Reading Joan's post today at Reflections, I heard God's voice in her words...."Do you trust me?" Yes, Lord I trust you, but.... " I seem to end a lot of my answers to God with the word "but".

I need to keep reminding myself that God knows what He is doing. God knows what is best for us...the place....the time....the right house. I don't have to worry, I can leave it all in His hands! We have asked and He will answer. What is required from us is trust.

One of my favorite verses comes to mind: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5,6

I expect I will need to revisit this again, but hopefully each time I do I will learn more about trusting God with our future....and about waiting for His perfect timing.

To read inspirational posts, stop over and visit Ginger and Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays. http://www.bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

26 comments:

Mevely317 said...

Wonderful! I love your honesty, Renee!
Personally, I'm drawn to your desire to "run towards" something, v. "running away" from a place or time.
... and on a personal note! If you've not crossed us off your list, won't you consider joining us here in beautiful Arizona?!

Anonymous said...

As I commented on another blog, trusting God is an area of spiritual growth for me. Time and time again, God has revealed His faithfulness to me.. but I continue to worry and fret.
I need to just "Let Go and Let God." My husband has tremendous trust in the Lord and is teaching me this.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I"m not a good wait person either so I totally understand. People tell me all the time He's never late...so I want to say that to you too.. He's got great adventures for us...at every stage of our lives. I love that. It took us a long time to find the house we moved into. I was getting so discouraged and wondered if He even heard. Boy did He hear. He led us to a place on the water that is so perfect with the kindest neighbours and the people had to leave so we got it for $50,000 less than they should have priced it at. Trust. YOu bet...He's never late. I'm looking forward to reading how He leads you and your husband... :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Renee, Thank you for your kind words and prayers for John and me.

It is hard to be patient at times. Funny though, I look back over my life now, and realize God was always working out things behind the scenes for me. This verse today is a good one to keep nearby to remind us to be patient!

Praying for you both in this decision.

Musings of A Minister said...

Trusting is so hard. We are so human. But I have no doubt that God will lead you to just the right place. I had no idea that we would EVER live in Arizona--but God led us to a church here and now we are retired here after fifteen years. As Mevely317 said,"consider joining us here." Talk to God about it Arizona.

Lisa notes... said...

I’m not very good at waiting either. Where to retire is indeed a big decision. I pray that the Lord will lead you to just the place where he can use you the most. I know you will be a blessing wherever you go!

Joan Hall said...

Renee - I'm not a patient person, but a "answer my prayer Lord and answer it yesterday." When post, it is something the Lord has laid upon my heart because I have something to learn. I'm glad it blessed you. There is somethng I've been praying about for several years and still don't have the answer, but I know that God will bring it about in His time.

Blessings,
Joan

Jocelyn said...

Such a post.

Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

Fliterary said...

Even when we know God is in control and will direct our path, waiting is soooo hard. I'm praying for you as you trust Him in the wait.

Gentle hugs filled with blessings,
Lisa

michelle said...

I have trouble waiting too. <3

Susan said...

Waiting upon the Lord can be very hard but His timing is always perfect.

Kelee Katillac said...

Hi Renee,

I so understand. We were out driving around all day looking for where we are supposed to go....next.


It is hard to "be in the question" sometimes.... we so want to know now. Your verse says it all though.....

love, kelee

Vintagesouthernlife said...

I'm not good at waiting either. We talked and planned our retirement for 30+ years... asking for guidance but planning just in case like He needed help.
We retired last year where I would have said 10 yrs. ago no way.I know God has a sense of humor as well as being sooo patient.
I know we are where we should be and am still waiting to see what he has planned next.
Hang in there, God is working things out for you!

Kaye Swain - SandwichINK for the Sandwich Generation said...

I know just how you feel and Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of my life verses that I depend on and rely on, as well - and He never lets us down, does He! It'll be exciting to see where and when He leads you to ... :) Have a blessed week.

Unknown said...

G'morn Renee ~ I always just turn it over to Him, when I don't know which way to go ... it was a lesson that came with a VERY HARD lesson in life.

Have a beautiful Sunday ~
TTFN Hugs, Marydon

Donnie said...

That was lovely. I wonder if He is leading you to stay right where you are....

Charlotte said...

You know - I think sometimes God doesn't answer prayers like this immediately. I have a feeling maybe he is waiting to see if we really trust Him to show us the way. I read what my husband Clif commented earlier. I could just say Amen to what he said. We would have never just chosen Arizona to live, but this is where God led us and we have never been happier. I know He will show you the way. His timing is not always our timing. In fact, I think it probably rarely is.
Blessings as you wait.
Charlotte

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

What a hard decision. I will pray that the Lord will guide you. I think that most of us have the same problem. I'm looking forward in reading where he leads you.
God Bless,
Ginger

Deborah Kay at The Paint Splash said...

Wealso moved a lot in the military years. Any move is daunting. I pray that God gives you clear direction in this move. Blessings, Debbie

Saleslady371 said...

I hate to wait for the Lord's answers too. I read Psalm 37 often and smiled when you referred to it! I prayed for you and believe with you that God will direct your paths.

Karen said...

God keeps telling me: Keep on praying and praising and be Patient! God bless you!

Jan Lyn said...

So great to stop by tonight. I've been unable to read blogs for a while due to schooling and my eyesight. I love your new look here and this Trust posts with perfect scriptures too..lovely.
How I recall our early military days as well and it was easier for a time, to be told where to go next. I'm certain God will lead you in time and excited to hear where.
Blessings and Peace,
Jan Lyn
PS- Corynn is finally doing great once again after her Lyme and has taken up gentle stretching and exercizing again. Just celebrated her birthday and are thankful for this.

Jocelyn said...

Renee, I guess I should proof read my comments before I press send! It was a wonderful post. And I can say it is truly a difficult place to be. We had planned to build a house on property we have owned for 30 years. BUT it was NOT in the Lord's will each time we tried. We looked for a house to buy for a year, and one day the Lord said to us - THIS IS THE ONE. Praise the Lord we waited and listened.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I enjoy your visits.

Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

Karen said...

Thanks for stopping by my place;
As I read your post about trust, I too love Proverbs 3:5-6. My favorite! But, I posted earlier back about the song "when you can't see HIS hand trust HIS heart." I thought of that song as I read this post. I will be thinking of you as the days ahead hold unknowns. But remember HE knows!
Karen

Make a Joyful Noise all ye Lands said...

I struggle with waiting on His timing also. I posted on this tonight.


Thank you for sharing..

In Christ,
Virginia

Cathy said...

That is a wonderful post, Dear. Praying for God's guidance ~ Blessings ~