waiting

For a while, and most recently in the last month, I have been learning and relearning the lesson of waiting. Some days have felt so dry, as I have expectations and dreams and pray for opportunity and vision and yet seem to be relatively still. A recent piece from Streams in the Desert, a prayer by George Matheson, spoke to my heart, and reminded me, again, that His plans are not my own, but so much more grand and purposeful than I can conceive. And that while I wait, He is yet active. For that, I am grateful.

Dear Holy Spirit, my desire is still to be led by You. Nevertheless, my opportunities for usefulness seem to be disappointed, for today the door appears open into a life of service for You but tomorrow it closes before me just as I am about to enter. Teach me to see another door even in the midst of the inaction of this time. Help me to find, even in the area of service where You have closed a door, a new entrance into Your service. Inspire me with the knowledge that a person may sometimes be called to serve by doing nothing, by staying still, or by waiting. And when I remember the power of Your "gentle whisper" (1Kings 19:12), I will not complain that sometimes the Spirit allows me not to go.

When I cannot understand my Father's leaning,
And it seems to be but hard and cruel fate,
Still I hear that gentle whisper ever pleading,
God is working, God is faithful, ONLY WAIT.