Growing Through Challenge

                            TWO KINDS OF WAITING

Have you ever noticed how much of life is lived in the “in-between” or the “waiting” times? Whatever period of life, from childhood on through the senior years, there is a lot of waiting to be done. Some of it comes in the form of excited anticipation of something we are eagerly looking forward to. A lot of it seems to take the more grim form of battling anxiety or depression while we wait for the conclusion of a situation where we have no assurance of the outcome and the time seems to drag on with no sure prospect of a satisfactory end.

                 TWO MISTAKEN COURSES OF ACTION

If you are anything like me, you have probably suffered through these two unsatisfactory reactions during times of waiting...

One is to barge headlong into a frantic pace of activity… trying to make something happen. Now positive action on a well-planned course is not at all wrong. The activity I am speaking of here is what we launch into when positive action didn’t bring about immediate results, so we just fall into the near-panic mode of doing anything we can think of to hurry-up the desired conclusion.

The other wrong reaction is to slump into despair where we temporarily lose hope of any positive outcome. Becoming depressed, we are miserable ourselves and often equally miserable for others to be around. Everything about life takes on a pale caste and the future seems to hold only a dark shadow.

                                A BETTER ANSWER

A verse from the Bible that has been a source of great comfort to me during such times is Psalms 46:10, where the Creator of the Universe gives us a magnificent invitation; “Be still and know that I am God.” Notice that this invitation really has at least three distinct parts. Let me just get you started with a few thoughts on each part and I’m sure you can add to the list yourself.

                                    #1... BE STILL

1. One translation I read used the words “cease striving”…what a calming thought in itself!

2. Quit my frantic activity to work things out or to make something happen.

3. Relinquish the “illusion of control” over events in my life.

Instead, be still, cease striving and REST in the sublime, all-encompassing personal PRESENCE of my God and Heavenly Father who gives us another astounding invitation in Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be anxious or dismayed, for I am your God. I will help you.” Can you envision Him saying that to you personally? I can tell you from personal experience that it is worth meditating on. It has turned around countless distressing situations for me.

There is wonderful therapeutic value in really resting the body and the mind, while leaving the outcome up to God.

                                   #2... AND KNOW

In Biblical language, the verb “to know” carried the concept... “to intimately experience”… it is not just a mind thing. It is an experience thing! What would it look like in your life to intimately experience God’s personal loving presence? It would probably profoundly impact your core nature… your mind, emotions, and will. Here is a concept that is worthy of genuine prayer and meditation:

Mind... allowing for the vast expanse between the finite and the INFINITE… so expect surprises!

Emotions... Our relationship with God cannot always be emotionally based, but it certainly does help to “feel” His presence, leading and involvement at times doesn’t it? So go where and do what has helped in the past. Or if you’re in a rut, you might try something totally different. The Bible is full of God surprising people in unexpected places and ways!

Will... In life’s darker periods, it has helped me immensely to go about my daily activities, willing to proceed as if I really do believe that, even in this common moment, the ALMIGHTY GOD of the Universe is working (behind the scenes) on my behalf...for my eternal good!

                                    #3... I AM GOD

I close with one statement and one question from the scriptures. Their implication is totally staggering! If internalized through meditation and application, they could be LIFE CHANGING!

“The things that are impossible with men are possible with GOD.”

“Is there anything to hard for GOD?"