Thursday, March 15, 2007

His Faithful Answer

Do you ever wonder when to move or when to stay put? I do, especially when it comes to the things of the Lord.
I don't want to look back on life and say that I missed many things that were from God, whether they be good deeds or experiences that He desired to give me. I know in reality that I will miss things, but I don't want to miss the majority of things, the bulk that is offered throughout the years.

What makes me worry about missing them is that I am a sitter, a waiter until a feeling deep down says that the time is right, that now is the moment; even then I question, testing the waters. That trait good or bad goes against a lot of the world today that pushes, even in the church, for constant movement, full involment, always on to the next thing. The thought of that just wears me out, makes me want to run and hide.

Yesterday a conversation with Anne, the mom of the kids I care for, got me wondering if Terran and I should be moving in some different areas of our life instead of staying where we are at. I started asking the Lord are we missing your timing, are we where you want us, or should we be on the go, pushing forward. God is so faithful to give us exactly what we need when we seek Him. This morning during my devotional time, I read a few little entries of a book by Amy Carmichael , a missionary to India during the 1900's, that I have been reading along with my Bible.

16. Knowing Only to Follow
His thoughts said, "How can I know that it is the time to move?"
His Father said, "And it shall be when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle. Thou shalt certainly hear that sound. There will be a quiet sense of sureness and a sense of peace."
The son said, "If another also heard that sound it would be easier."
His Father said, "That may not always be. The sound of going is like the voice of the shepherd that the sheep know, but how they know they could not tell, knowing only to follow."

17. The Token
The son said, "But how can I be sure?"
His Father said, " When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him; for they know His Voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers. Therein lies the token. Thou wilt recognize the Voice of the Shepherd. The voice of the stranger will be nothing to thee."

19. Not of Double Heart
But the son still wondered what he should do if he did not hear a Voice directing him, till he came to understand that, as he waited, his Father would work and would so shape the events of common life that they would become indications of His will. He was shown also that they would be in accord with some word of Scripture which would be laid upon his heart.This scripture in the light of these events, and these events in light of that scripture, would work together under the hand of his Father, and point in the direction. And as he followed step by step, the way would open before him. Only he was warned to be careful that his eye be single. He must be like David's soldiers, who were not of double heart.

His Thoughts Said... His Father Said...
Amy Carmichael, 1941

These writings spoke directly to me right where I'm at, giving peace and answers. Letting me know that it is okay to wait till the push in the spirit comes and questions aren't bad, to keep asking till the answer and direction are before me. I also am thankful that this is one of those times when the Lord spoke clearly, not leaving any room for questions.

In His Faithfulness,

Naomi
Posted by Picasa

2 comments:

Taxi Driver said...

When did tortilla soup become un-spiritual, or chopping vegetables?

-ML

Anonymous said...

You know Naomi, Father's timing is amazing. Just two days prior to reading this Gramma Anstine was saying how Father's time is terrifying as it is so different from ours. My statement is we don't know but Father does AND that is enough. Now He gives me this from you. Thank you for loving Him and for loving me. I love you, Mom