Saturday, July 23, 2016

A prayer for each of us...



My husband and I have had to make some big decisions lately, and they weren't easy. In fact it feels like we're wandering in the dark without any clear direction, especially with regards to one very important issue.
There's no real right or wrong answer to our dilemma, but it could be life changing and that's why we want to be clear and sure on what path to choose.

Have you been challenged like this? 

I think choosing between something wrong and something right (through the eyes of Scripture) is much easier than choosing between two good paths. 

We desire to see further into the future to be certain our eventual choice will bring the best outcome, yet that's not what God is offering us. He seems silent. He is silent. 

Patience to wait upon the Lord is something I try to cultivate in my heart - so that it's natural, so I'm never expecting an immediate answer or miracle and probably so I'm not disappointed, but the silence in the midst of waiting is hard.

Years ago it occurred to me that if I don't know what's going on, and God stays silent, then my adversary the devil has no clue either. 
God's 'plan in motion' has been hidden to protect me and its important that I trust Him, have faith in what He's doing and await His perfect timing. I tell you truly, there was great peace in grasping this because I knew without doubt that God had not turned His back on me but was at work 'above and beyond' in ways I would never comprehend.

And it would all be for my good and for HIS glory.

This week's Scripture was a timely reminder for my husband and I that we need to put every hope in Christ, we need to trust Him, follow His lead, read the Word and let Him teach us through it. We can be sure that in His perfect timing He will show us the path to take, He'll point us in the right direction and we shall go forth.
When I saw Psalm 25:4-5 in the signature line of an email from a blog reader (thank you, Jacque) it was quite clearly a word in season, in fact it was prayer to pray every day.

I pray it brings peace and hopeful expectation to you as well.
In fact, I've made this into a free printable so we can frame it as reminder of hope during silent times. Download it here

be blessed,


18 comments:

DH said...

Thank you Jenny! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this topic. I also need to remember this verse daily! Dawn

linda said...

Thank you; this is a timely prayer for me as well

Sisbabestitches said...

Yes it's the patience that is the challenge for me too! I always figured if the choice has shown up, then the decision is required NOW. I busily seek and search for the right choice with my head. Actually a slow still in-progress learning for me, is if I don't know what to do, then what I am to do right NOW is nothing. Being still (in heart and mind) and letting the answer come in it's best time is something I try to remember, though I do still forget for a bit sometimes :)

C Reeder PhxAz said...

Jenny - read Phillipians 4:6-7. I am standing on that promise as I am at a critical turning point in my own life right now. Learning patience and trust in the Lord for the correct answers too. Getting silence but total peace that He is in control and the answers will come when it's His time to answer. Feel it's my time to pray and listen carefully for his voice..... will pray for both of you.

janice15 said...

I too Jenny went through this of learning to be patient and waiting on God. And sometimes I still think of how much do I wait. I know that I have to do a certain amount of things for myself. I have always been do it myself because if the way I was raise. It took many hears to understand I can't do it alone. I need his direction because my own choices aren't whats always the best for me. Funny when I saw the scripture I thought it would be nice If Jenny would do this for us to embroidery. I'm so glad you made this. Your a very thoughtful loving woman. And I appreciate you very much. And all that you share embroidery and scripture wise. Your very incouraging. Thank you. Have a great weekend. And I hope your well now with love Janice

Allie-oops Designs said...

My thoughts are - if God wants me to do something, it'll happen whether I agonize over it or not. I learned a big lesson over the house issue. Trust the Lord to make a way!

Alicia said...

Jenny, thank you. The printable is beautiful, and exactly what I needed to hear :)

Ondrea said...

I am so sorry to hear that you are struggling with some life changing decisions to make but I am sure that whatever you do will be the right thing for you both. When one door closes another one opens and it is usually for the better. We don't know what is there for us until we take that step and greater powers know better than we do on this earthly plane. Many angel hugs.

Diane Garton said...

What a beautiful, timely reminder Jenny, one that both my grown children need to be reminded of at this time in their lives too, so I have sent them a copy of your post. Your posts are usually so relevant and I praise God for the insight He gives you. I am standing with you in prayer for the way forward for you will be made clear, in the way only He can. Also for your continued healing and for precious Blossom at this time. God bless you Jenny, you are one special lady xx

Tricia said...

I love the line " I am never expecting an immediate answer or miracle." I think that is something that the Lord wants to teach me. Thank you. Hugs and prayers as you await the arrival of your new granddaughter !

Createology said...

With all the Worldly hatred and destruction that is happening far too often it is hard to imagine a Loving God who watches over us. I shall hope that your path becomes clear as continue to pray. My prayers are for clarity and continued good health...for you and for Blossom and Baby and for all of us.

Brenda said...

Good Morning Jenny! Thank You so very much for sharing this invaluable Psalms lesson. It is one that I will definitely be printing out and framing because it really is a truth that I need to be reminded of with my memory issues. Plus, the message itself is such a valuable truth that provides strength and guidance everyday. I always keep you and your family in my prayers and will include a special asking to give you and Mr. E the guidance you need in making the choices you are facing. Have a fantastic creative day!

Winifred said...

Thanks for this Jenny.

It reminds me of the words Spoken by George VI in his 1939 Christmas broadcast to the Empire when the country was facing the uncertainly of war. It was an extract from a poem by Minnie Louise Haskins.

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:

“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”

And he replied:

“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.” So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.”


Snoodles said...

Praying for y'all as you ponder good decisions and seek God's will. Isn't it awesome the way He can use little things to help us? Blessings to you, my friend.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for pointing out these verses. They are beautiful in either of our translations. It is hard to be in the dark, and a real test of faith. We are always rewarded for that patience and faith. It's easier each time we go through such a time. I know I learned the hard way not to go on my own in those times! I agree with you that it's much harder to judge between good, better and best than between good and bad. Thanks for sharing, and have a wonderful Sabbath.

Chris of UK City Crafter said...

Thank you for highlighting this psalm - one that we need to be reminded of every now and again when we try to go forward in our own ways.

ukcitycrafter@live.co.uk

swakins said...

I feel like you were reading my mind, I have been worried about a friend who is facing some difficult decisions right now. Just before I read your post I had sent her a long reply to an e-mail she had sent me late last night. So much of what you have said is so fitting to her story, I forwarded it to her and hope it helps her with these decisions. She has a strong faith and will really enjoy this post.

EMRC said...

Linda mandala de oração e fé!
I wonder it!