Tara's Thoughts...

“So it took seven years to build the Temple.” 1 Kings 6:38b

It feels like it’s been a lifetime that I’ve been praying for a particular situation. I was greatly discouraged after talking to one of the people that I’m praying for, but then God laid the above scripture on me this morning. Solomon was doing a great thing for the Lord; he was building a Temple to honor Him…but it took time to complete the structure. 

I’m not a builder, architect, etc. but I can imagine the process for building something goes a little like this: plan, hire workers, gather materials, break ground, build support structure, complete structure, check work. Perhaps I’m simplifying it too much, but here’s the parallel:

When praying for God to build someone’s temple (we are temples of the Holy Spirit), it takes TIME. God is amazing and can miraculously change someone, but that person has to WANT change. Therefore in the situation I’m praying for, it may take time. 

Just because I don’t see the change I want to see, doesn’t mean God isn’t working in the process of building their temple… So, I’ll continue to pray even if it takes 7 (or more) years.

I love when I open my journal to the same date from a previous year and find exactly what I need to read in that moment. It’s almost like my younger self is encouraging my older self…

This time last year I was preparing to move from New York to Atlanta and I didn’t have a car. In case you don’t know, Atlanta is NOT a city known for its amazing public transportation! For example, a 15-minute drive can take upwards of 2 1/2 hours via bus/Marta…

From my previous post, you know that I’m waiting on a word from God. Last night I was in tears because quite honestly, I’m tired of waiting. But, I don’t want to step outside of God’s will, so I’ve resolved that I will continue to wait. I will continue to trust. I will continue to have faith that God has my best interest in mind and He will speak when He knows I’m really ready to listen.

But, let me get back to the point of this post: 

Last night, I opened my journal to 4/17/12 and read my concerns about moving to Atlanta in 3 days with no leads on securing a car. But, the words in my journal weren’t complaints to God (something I sometimes slip into now), they were exhortations to myself to not lose faith in God’s promises and plan for me in Atlanta! In fact, within a week of moving here, God provided me with a car and enough funds to pay for the car. Praise God!

Sometimes when you’re low, you just have to encourage yourself!

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in theLord his God.

-1 Samuel 30:6 KJV

The NLT version says, “David found strength in the Lord his God” (emphasis added). 

In our weakness, God’s strength is made perfect. Rather than let my circumstances consume me, I’m choosing to find strength and encourage myself in God. So like Paul says, 

So Saul asked God, “Should we go after the Philistines? Will you help us defeat them?” But God made no reply that day. (1 Samuel 14:37 NLT)

But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word (Matthew 15:23a NLT)

I believe God is really trying to drill this into my heart this week. The two scriptures above were in two different devotionals that I read this morning. 

I’m learning that sometimes God is silent.

I’ve been praying for God’s timing on a couple of things so I can “make moves,” but even while fasting, I’ve not received a reply. During my prayer time earlier this week, I had the following exchange with God: 

Me: Lord, I need an answer! I don’t know what to do. Please help me!

God: (silence)

Me: Lord, PLEASE! I need to hear from you on this.

God: (silence)

Me: (silence)

God: Am I the author of confusion?

Me: No, Lord, you’re not…

God: If you have no peace on what you should do, then you know that what you’re contemplating to do is not of me…

Me: (silence)

God: If I’ve said nothing. Do nothing.

Even in my pleading, God still didn’t give me a specific answer to my concern. But, He reminded me to wait. If He’s said nothing, I should do nothing. I must be still and continue to wait. 

However, I must be clear: waiting doesn’t mean twiddle-my-thumbs-and-wait-for-the-heavens-to-open-to-take-me-where-I-want-to-go. 

Wait means prepare.

God won’t place me in a position that I’m not prepared to take ownership of. I need a strong foundation in order to stand on His promises, so what am I doing now? 

I’m doing nothing. But, while doing nothing, I’m preparing for “something.”

—————

Oh, and God did finally answer the people in the scriptures relayed above. Saul’s military had many successes and the woman who Jesus did not answer at first? Her daughter was healed.

God is awesome!