Waiting on God

Advent is the season of waiting.

And we all know about waiting.

What is so beautiful about this season of waiting is that we know what it is we're waiting for: the celebration of the birth of Christ.

My devotion today was about waiting and I was anxious to read about this topic and I was not disappointed.

One point that spoke powerfully to me was this: when one has surgery (internally) things on the outside don't really look like they're changing. But on the inside much healing is taking place. Things are being transformed and changed.

This is what it can look like when we're waiting. On the outside, there is no apparent change taking place. But on the inside, God is doing a work in me and a transformation can take place.

Two thousand and eleven years ago the world looked the same from the outside. Except for a few people, no one knew the change that was about to take place.

I wait in sweet anticipation of Christmas. The coming of our King. And I wait for God to reveal what His plan and purpose is for our family.

We can be confident that although it might seem that things aren't changing or moving in the direction that we would like, God is doing a work whether we can see it or not.

And if we allow Him to, he can be transforming us from the inside out. Our waiting does not need to be worthless. It shouldn't be wasted.

Let's wait expectantly...anticipating the great work that God is doing and will do...asking Him to transform us in the process of waiting.

I certainly have not been asking God for that lately. I've been whining rather than waiting. I've been working rather than waiting. And I've been wondering rather than waiting.

This is a lesson that I learn over and over and over again.

And this advent season is a good reminder about the purpose of waiting: to prepare our hearts. The devotion said, "Christmas is so momentous an event that we must prepare our hearts, minds and homes."

Lets prepare shall we? Lets tell God we are waiting for Him. We are expecting Him. We are anticipating His work in our hearts and lives.

And lets sit back and see what He does.

Here is a song I have loved listening to for the past year: "Waiting Here For You."

What a perfect song it is for this season of waiting. We're waiting here for you Jesus...with our hands lifted high...in praise....and it's you we adore...singing Hallelujah.

Does Anybody Hear Her?

Hug on those around you who are hurting this Christmas. We all know or come into contact with someone who is feeling loss, sadness, and despair in their lives. You don't even have to say a word. Share about the greatest Christmas gift and give them a hug!!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father...who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

We'll Praise Your Name Forever

O Come All Ye Faithful....it's always been a favorite Christmas song, but I heard Chris Tomlin's version this week and I can't stop listening.

Do yourself a favor: turn off the 'Christmas noise' our world offers and immerse yourself in the beauty of this song. We'll praise your name forever
We'll praise your name forever
We'll praise your name forever
Christ the Lord

Through the Storm

The storms of life will blow
They're sure to come and go
They meet me at a time
When I'm calm and doing fine

But the Captain of my soul
He's always on board
He rocks me in His arms
While riding through the storm

Chorus
While riding through the storm
Jesus holds me in His arms
I am not afraid
Of the stormy winds and the waves

though the tides become high
He holds me while I ride
I've found safety in his arms
While riding through the storm

I have no fear of the raging seas
Knowing Jesus is there with me
He can speak to the winds and the waves
And make them behave

All power's in His hands
on sea or on dry land
I found safety in the master's arms
While riding through the storm

While riding through the storm
Jesus holds me in His arms
noohoho I'm not afraid of the stormy winds and the waves
though the tides become high
He holds me while i ride
I've found safety in the Masters arms
While riding through the storm

There is...

There is...

For every hectic work day there is a quiet rest...

For every painful experience there is a healing touch...

For every negative feeling there is an abiding joy...

For every disappointment there is a certain hope...

For every turbulent storm there is a sure foundation...

For every doubting thought there is a calm assurance...

For every hurtful action there is a forgiving love.

In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

-Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer

When You Need Someone To Notice

When You Need Someone To Notice

My family has a favorite phrase: "We'll see..."
We add it at the end of stories. Grab onto it to describe the future. Toss it into the middle of decisions.
It works pretty well.
And yet lately I've found myself wondering what it might mean to add more to the end of that phrase - to not simply stop at "We'll see."
What if I finished the sentence?
We'll see...God come through in amazing ways.
We'll see...how He'll work all of this out.
We'll see...His goodness in the middle of the happy and hard places.
Yes, He knows all our circumstances, every hair on our heads, every care in our hearts.
He'll see...always has, always will (that includes today too).
And somehow that's enough to make me close my eyes and smile for awhile.
-Holley Gerth

When You Need To Be Strong

When You Need To Be Strong

I look at the days ahead and wonder what they hold.
Don't we all?
And then these words make their way to my heart:
"Go in the strength you have...am I not sending you?"
Judges 6:14

We don't have to...
wait to overcome our weaknesses,
complete the ten point improvement plan,
figure everything out.
The strength we already have is all the strength we need.
Because we have a limitless God within us who loves us.
As is.
And He promises to stick by us.
All the way.
-Holley Gerth