Do you remember a time when you thought you needed something and it didn’t come? Maybe it was a report from the doctor, a friend to show up, for a situation to end, for a situation to begin, or a hug. But it didn’t come. What did you do? Did you cry? Did you pray? Did you question God? Did you harden your heart? Did you praise God? Did you give thanks to God? Did you complain to others or to God? What did you do?
Sometimes God has you in a place. Sometimes that place has no door for exit and no window for hope. What do you do? What can you do?
There’s a sense of powerlessness. Whatever you desire is not in your control to fix or attain. You can’t push things along. You can’t escape.
God has you in a place, and you are forced to do things His way. You are forced to beg him for His intervention. You are forced to seek His perspective. You are forced to praise Him. You are forced to give Him thanks.
Not too long after you begin to be honest with God and you quit carrying the desire, burden, need, hope, or longing, then you realize there is a burden bearer. There is a caregiver for your soul. There is a tear wiper and a compassionate ear. Even though He may seem silent, He is not inattentive. He is present.
When was the last time you poured out your heart to God? When was the last time you gave up being strong? When was the last time you went to your knees in surrender?
For the follower of Christ, this is where Christianity is proven. These are the places where no human can fulfill. You may know that God doesn’t even want you to share this with another human. It’s just you talking to Him. You didn’t think He was enough. You thought you needed a friend. A human. He is teaching you that HE is enough. He is your best friend. He is the one who can fix, fulfill, and fan into flame whatever the plan is. No matter how long you have to wait. Even if you don’t see Him do anything. Even if what you thought you needed never happens.
I could tell you what the Bible says about how valuable giving thanks is, being content, how He gives perseverance, how He gives strength to the weary, and so on. If you are a follower of Christ, you are familiar with all these promises. It’s your choice to cling to them.
What you may not be familiar with is waiting the way He wants you to wait. We will do most anything other than wait well. It seems so counterintuitive. But that is where the presence of God is. It’s that still, silent place, sometimes full of peace, sometimes uncomfortable.
Let’s not rush the process and ruin His plans with our own plan. He is a God of love who longs to give His children good things. Wait.
“Waiting silently is the hardest thing of all.”
Elisabeth Elliot
©Valerie Rumfelt
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Valerie Rumfelt 
Thank you. I have experienced this many times. And I love quotes from Elisabeth Elliot
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Glad you read it, Nancy. God is faithful.
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Thank you for these encouraging words and beautiful pictures that look so peaceful and beautiful. As Christians, we know that God hears us and is there for us every moment, but as humans we need reminders, at least I do, and can feel His Spirit and Love.
I trust all is well with you both and your group and may God lead you to MANY that are willing to accept your savings words and become Christians.
God Bless you both and Your Work for Him
Sarah Milligan
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Thank you Sarah for your encouragement about what you read and see on my blog. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
God is faithful. We covet your prayers from our newsletters. Good to hear from you.
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Thanks Ms Valerie for this. This really is something I needed to be reminded of at this particular and exact time in my life. ❤️💯
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Thanks for reading it Ashley. It was a letter to myself!
Please write me an email and tell me about your life. Much love!!!
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Oh, Ms. Valerie, you hit the preverbal nail on the head. This came at an interesting time for me — I have waited (impatiently!) since April for God’s direction on Deployment—- I know that’s NOT really a long time but the aging process goes more quickly as the years pass and my fear is no longer being ABLE to do the work. Anyhow, God has been so good— I deploy in the morning to one of our three sites in Louisiana (Houma). I realize it may (?) be my last but I also know that He called me so He will walk with me as we go through it together.
Please pray for these communities and our teams as I pray always for your ministry in Japan.
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That’s exciting! We will pray! Thanks for reading my blog and I’m glad your wait is over!!
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Hello Valerie, the kind of situations you describe sound familiar. The Holy Spirit always uses scripture to encourage me at those times but one that I especially like is Psalms 46:10 were I am reminded to “Be still and know that I am God…” I always enjoy your beautiful photography with your blog. 🙂
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Yes, there are so many promises and that is one of them that all believers in Christ can rely. Thank you for reading, Carol. I do enjoy photography of God’s world.
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Yes Valerie, I can relate! Jesus loves us so and often puts His children in that most uncomfortable position of waiting. And wondering. The World Series is in play this week so the dugout image immediately came to mind to appropriately describe this place. 🙂
So add me to the list of enjoying the beauty of the pics that you choose to enhance your thoughts.
Love,
Joy
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Thank you Joy for stopping by and leaving a comment. It is so good to hear from you. And yes, the Love of God is ever present as we wait.
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Valerie,
Your words are potent and penetrate my heart. The waiting place IS the hardest place! I know you live this everyday in some ways- I also know you know when the breakthrough comes His glory and purpose is displayed! You are a valiant warrior in love with the lover of your soul for eternity. He is worthy.
I miss you so much! You are much loved and my prayers are WITH you both.
On mission … waiting…
Cindy
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Thank you, Cindy.
He is kind to join us in the waiting. And you are right, He is worthy.
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