30 Days of Thanks, Day 7: In-Between

Living in the "in-between" times can be challenging.  Waiting for a call after a job interview.  Waiting to hear back from the doctor after tests.  Waiting for the will of God to unfold.

Eight years ago this month Les was unemployed.  He was "in-between" jobs.  We were waiting.  We were "in-between" for three months.  That's a lot of waiting!

 

I wrote about the Will of God shortly after he started his new job in Hawaii.  I concluded that post with this:

We know that God doesn't change, but His plans for us are more than we can know all at once.  We can trust that He knows where we need to be, who we need to meet, how long we need to stay, and when it's time for a change.  Follow His path, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6.  While you're praying and seeking counsel, while you're waiting in the hallway, and while you're sitting still, remember this:

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

 If you are living "in-between" you can still give thanks.  Continue trusting and always remember:

 

Must Read Blogs

Three posts in one day!  I guess I have a lot to say today.

In the past week I have read many blogs.  I enjoy reading about the lives of my friends, seeing pictures, reading encouraging words, etc.  Three have stood out to me and I want to share them with you.

The Drama of The Waiting Room - Bro. Ballestero's blog is always a wonderful read.  This post was exceptional. We've all been in the waiting room of life, many are there now. " 'According to this log,” she said, “not very many get discharged the same day they come. The good news that I see here, is that the Doctor has an amazing success rate. I am not really in love with the idea of waiting, but I don’t plan to leave here until my baby gets well.' "

Pure Worship - Echoes from the Elms is the blog of Sis. Linda Elms, the daughter of my first pastor, Bro. Murray Layne.  Her words about worship in the church are right on. "If there's a song that feels a little "strange" when we sing it, or something in our spirit doesn't feel right, maybe we shouldn't be singing it. If we're living close to God like we should be the Holy Ghost will lead us in what we should and shouldn't sing."

I Could Swing My Ponytail, Too - Kelley Highway is the home of Sis. Kelley Dibble, missionary to the Philippines.  This post is a must read for every lady.  "There is so much more to wrap around modesty than a ponytail holder."  Please also read the article that is linked there - When Women Draw Attention to Themselves.

What great blogs have you read this week?

Waiting

Psalm 27 is a beautiful Psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.
11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

While out running this morning, I was thinking about how hard it is to not know what the doctors will do to help my Dad.  How long will he be in San Francisco?  Will surgery be required?  As I thought (and tried not worry) verse 14 of this Psalm came to mind.  So I wait, with courage, and a heart that has been strengthen by the prayers of so many of you.

He Won't Forget

Friday night while Bro. Lambeth was preaching at camp, the words to a song by Bryan Duncan came to mind. If you were at camp and that message was for you, while you're waiting for the promise, holding on to faith, know that God has not forgotten you:

I'll Not Forget You

Sarah's waiting in a crown of silver hair
Maternal heart still aching
A promised ray of hope, a child to bear
No child is here, is this not fair?
Her labor of love has no device
Faithful in silent sacrifice
Has Heaven forgotten?
Is God still there?
He says, "Learn to trust me"

I'll not forget you,
I'll not forget you,
I'll not forget you,
I'll not forget you

Abraham is marking time as years go by
Hiding his pain in laughter
Every night he's counting stars that fill the sky
So sure his dream has passed him by
Doubting his vision's not so clear
What did God say, what did I hear?
Has heaven forgotten?
Is God still there?
He says, "Learn to trust me"

I'll not forget you,
I'll not forget you,
I'll not forget you,
I'll not forget you

And every day in pain, I wait
I can't help but wonder why
You promised me your love and said goodbye
Please don't say goodbye!

I'll not forget you
I'll not forget you
I'll not forget you
I'll not forget you
When you walk alone
When you break inside

I'll not forget you
When a loved one dies
I'll not forget you
I'll not forget you
When your youth is gone
I'll not forget you
I'll not forget you
Oh, in an empty home
I'll not forget you