Have you ever read something you've read before—maybe even more than once—but suddenly something jumps out that you hadn't noticed previously? This happens when I read a book where I'm dying to know what comes next. I tend to speed read, and I miss little details. Then, when I read the book a second time at a slower pace, those details are "new." It's always fun to find something new in an "old" read.Reading the Bible is part of my daily routine. I've been a Christian for 40 years, so I've spent a significant amount of time in God's Word. I don't say that to sound "bragadocious," but to say the Bible is an "old" read. Yet, every so often, something new jumps from well-read pages. And every time, my heart thrills at the new understanding.
Monday, I read this: "I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing (Ez. 34:26 NIV)." I've read this verse before, have accepted it as a promise that God blesses His people by meeting their needs and beyond, but for the first time two words captured my attention: in season.
It was as if God whispered, "In My timing, dear one, not yours." And, oddly, with the new realization, peace swept through me. Doesn't make a lot of sense, does it? After all, when it comes to blessings, don't we want them now? Waiting isn't always fun. Or peaceful.
One of my favorite songs is "Break My Plans" by a group called This Hope. The group came to our church a few years ago, and the song literally moves me to tears every time I listen to it. (You can see a video of the song performed here—please watch it; it's well worth the three minutes of viewing time.) The song was inspired by a man imprisoned for writing Christian choruses in a land where Christianity was outlawed. While in prison, although he truly just wanted to go home, his prayer became "break my plans." He was sitting in a place not of his choosing, yet God used him mightily during that time, and the blessings were abundant.
Sometimes sitting where God wants us rather than where we want to be isn't comfortable. But my past experience with my heavenly Father has taught me that He always has my best interests at heart. Whatever He plans for me is better than anything I could plan for myself, and it also brings blessing. Which means it's always worth waiting for.
He will send down blessing—showers of blessing—in season. As doors close and disappointments strike, we can cling to that verse as an encouragement. Showers of blessing will come in His perfect timing. It reminds me of a chorus God gave me several years ago when I was hoping and waiting for a special blessing: "Wait on the Lord; you will understand in time if you just wait..." He proved that one true then, and I know He'll prove Himself true again.
God bless you muchly as you journey with Him! ~Kim
Monday, I read this: "I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing (Ez. 34:26 NIV)." I've read this verse before, have accepted it as a promise that God blesses His people by meeting their needs and beyond, but for the first time two words captured my attention: in season.
It was as if God whispered, "In My timing, dear one, not yours." And, oddly, with the new realization, peace swept through me. Doesn't make a lot of sense, does it? After all, when it comes to blessings, don't we want them now? Waiting isn't always fun. Or peaceful.
One of my favorite songs is "Break My Plans" by a group called This Hope. The group came to our church a few years ago, and the song literally moves me to tears every time I listen to it. (You can see a video of the song performed here—please watch it; it's well worth the three minutes of viewing time.) The song was inspired by a man imprisoned for writing Christian choruses in a land where Christianity was outlawed. While in prison, although he truly just wanted to go home, his prayer became "break my plans." He was sitting in a place not of his choosing, yet God used him mightily during that time, and the blessings were abundant.
Sometimes sitting where God wants us rather than where we want to be isn't comfortable. But my past experience with my heavenly Father has taught me that He always has my best interests at heart. Whatever He plans for me is better than anything I could plan for myself, and it also brings blessing. Which means it's always worth waiting for.
He will send down blessing—showers of blessing—in season. As doors close and disappointments strike, we can cling to that verse as an encouragement. Showers of blessing will come in His perfect timing. It reminds me of a chorus God gave me several years ago when I was hoping and waiting for a special blessing: "Wait on the Lord; you will understand in time if you just wait..." He proved that one true then, and I know He'll prove Himself true again.
God bless you muchly as you journey with Him! ~Kim
Kim,
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about that "Waiting" season. The Lord has been helping me to do just that for the past few years. So many times I've tried to rush the process of maturity in Him; but in His gentle way He is teaching me to "wait". And in the journey I have learned so much more about Him. His ways ARE higher than our ways and even though it is not always easy to do, we must learn to "rest" and embrace the season that we are in. God is so faithful and even though we think sometimes it is all about us, it really is all about HIM and HIS great plan for our lives.
Veronica...you said, "God is so faithful and even though we think sometimes it is all about us, it really is all about HIM and HIS great plan for our lives." There is wonderful wisdom in that statement! As well as tremendous faith. Thank you for sharing. :o)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kim. The last 18 months or so have been difficult for me and my family. One of the things that has happened is that our house is under foreclosure. We have given it to GOD, it is his anyway and it really never was ours. I have felt a peace about it, and know that He will take care of us...
ReplyDeleteWould you please pray that we will follow GOD's leading to the place He has for us, and that we won't be trying to "do this on our own".
We homeschool our 5 children, and I have my ideas of what I would like to find, But is it GOD's plan for us?
Tammi
Tammi, praying that God will open the eyes of your heart to Him, that He will grant you discernment to recognize His will as He reveals it, and patience to wait for His timing. God bless you as you trust Him. And buckle your pew belts--I sense this is going to be a time of great growth and discovery for your entire family.
ReplyDeleteIn Him, Kim
Waiting is always so hard, but Kim, the verse you shared is filled with such hope.Thank you for the reminder to trust in His will and His timing.
ReplyDeleteOh, Lorna, "hope"! That's my favorite word :o), and when we have HIM, we always have HOPE!
ReplyDeleteGREAT post, sweet Kim - - thank you for sharing these thoughts - - it was as if you'd written this to ME - LOL! (but I'm sure lots of others need the reminder too, about waiting on the Lord). ~ I had to chuckle when I read the very beginning of your post, because I'm reading the book of Genesis right now, and although I've read it many times over the years, I'm "discovering" certain parts I didn't remember...It's almost like I'm reading a book I've never read! And I'm "devouring" it!! I've prayed for the Lord to help me have a better understanding of the Bible, and He's doing just that!! Blessings, Patti Jo :)
ReplyDeleteI've been pondering this "new" understanding stuff lately, and I think it's because God is such a loving Father. A loving parent doesn't throw every bit of info needed at a baby--he waits until the child can comprehend, accept, and act upon the knowledge. We're all at different places in our Christian faith, so God "feeds" us what we need for where we are. I don't know if that makes sense to anyone but me, but it's been kind of enlightening to consider. :o)
ReplyDelete