Satisfied With His Goodness
.
Jeremiah 31:14
I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, And My people will be satisfied with My goodness, declares the LORD.
Isaiah 40:10-11
Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms, he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
Sometimes I just have to shake my head and chuckle at myself. A mere nine days ago I began praying, asking God to guide and direct me in His plan for my life. I have shared that I recently have felt the call to be a writer. I don’t mean someone who writes, as a hobby or for fun. I mean I have been feeling a very definite call to be “A Writer.” As in someone who makes a living from writing. Once I made that decision – in response to much prayer and discernment – I fell into the trap that I so often fall into. It’s all about trusting God – or the lack thereof. You see, I had decided that I was going to write in response to God’s call upon my life. I had discerned very clearly that God intended me to use my gift in this way. I had even prayed my beloved “Prayer of Jabez” asking God to abundantly and extravagantly bless my work as a writer beyond my wildest dreams.
Then several days passed. I implemented a great plan – which I fully believe was God-inspired. Nothing. Nada. No responses to queries. No responses to ads I replied to requesting writers of various ilk’s. Nothing. I grew more and more agitated and downright panicky as the succeeding week progressed. I told my walking buddy, after only 5 days, that maybe I had made a mistake and had better start looking for additional part-time work! After all, I had “done everything I was supposed to do.” Well . . . I forgot about the most important thing: wait on God! Oh . . . that’s the part I struggle with. Obedience is another area of struggle, but I’m getting better about it. Waiting? Not so much.
In the past couple of days, I have received responses for writing work that will keep me far busier than I ever imagined! I’ve already been assured of future assignments for hire from one on-line entrepreneur in particular! This morning as we walked and talked, my walking buddy pointed out that mere few days ago, I was ready to throw in the towel. She laughed a little, because she knows me so well! I shared with her my consternation with myself, and made the comment, “You know how I am!” She does know! We agreed that all too often we forget the last part of obedience, the part where we actually allow God to “do His thing.” I can work and struggle, labor all day long in obedience. Sometimes, though, God wants us to rest in Him a little longer. He knows when all the pieces will fall into the right place. He’s already seen it! After all, He planned it long ago!
You see, I forgot for a time about God’s goodness! How is that possible? He has blessed me beyond description. I am so grateful to Him for the life I have, for my family, my friends, and my church. God is so very good. He wants us to trust that He cares for us, and gently leads us through our lives – every moment of them, not just in the “big stuff.” He has laid out a plan for us much more than we can comprehend or imagine. I’m glad I have my walking buddy to remind me of that! I’m grateful I have a husband who is supportive of my response to God’s call, even when he’s not really sure of the impact my obedience will have on our lives and our livelihood.
I hope today you will pray the Prayer of Jabez expecting it to be answered: "Oh that Thou wouldst bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that Thy hand might be with me, and that Thou wouldst keep [me] from harm, that [it] may not pain me!" And God will grant you what you request.
Mary
