For Those Who Pray.....

[breezy1077]

Oh, and my latest prayer has been for God to "hit me over the head" with his answer (like a ton of bricks).....I hope He's gentle when it happens.

 

[live4christp1]

Hey Breezy! You have gotten excellent responses on your question.

I just wanted to share this verse: Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God.

Also might be helpful to do a verse look up on each time "be still" or "still" is mentioned in the scripture.

I think a lot of times what God is leading us to do does not make sense, is not logical, sometimes not even practical. I know I have been in a situation were everyone (even church friends) was telling me that my best option was to do xyz but through studying God's word I felt God impressing something different on me - it was hard but I am so glad I listened to Him. I think He does things that way so that we can later look back and see what He did and He in turn receives the glory for it. That way we learn to trust and rely on Him more instead of ourself.

If you ever need anything or someone to talk you can PM me.

Cristy

 

[breezy1077]

Hey Breezy! You have gotten excellent responses on your question.

I just wanted to share this verse: Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God.

Also might be helpful to do a verse look up on each time "be still" or "still" is mentioned in the scripture.

I think a lot of times what God is leading us to do does not make sense, is not logical, sometimes not even practical. I know I have been in a situation were everyone (even church friends) was telling me that my best option was to do xyz but through studying God's word I felt God impressing something different on me - it was hard but I am so glad I listened to Him. I think He does things that way so that we can later look back and see what He did and He in turn receives the glory for it. That way we learn to trust and rely on Him more instead of ourself.

If you ever need anything or someone to talk you can PM me.

Cristy

Thank you Cristy!

 

[Mickeyistheman]

I think that if you have the Faith it will come to you.

My mother has been going to church now every morning since my brother left for Iraq which was about 3 weeks ago. She had 9 times out of 10 goes every Sunday but sometimes she did not.

She has been out of work, since the end of May because her employer died suddenly. It was very difficult for her. Well a week ago she finally got a job and one that is truly perfect for her and she is making more money and has great benefits ( medical field )

It took a little bit of time, but she had faith, here she was praying for her son, my brother and for his safety and guidance and God helped my mother.

Now instead of worrying all day she has work again.

It is a cliche' but God does work in mysterious ways. I wish you the best and please keep the faith, even when you think you are at the bottom....The only way to go is up!

 

[c4a]

Hi Breezy!!!

For me, the hardest part is not reading "my want" into "HIS will". The second hardest thing is just being still and listening.

The first rainbow was a sign of the covenant between Noah and the Lord. The Lord gave it as a symbol that never again would HE flood the entire world. HE didn't promise not to flood-HE promised NOT the whole world would be flooded, at once. To me, there is security and peace in that rainbow because it affirms that the LORD does not make 1/2 promises-he is EXACT in what HE will/won't do. By your seeing a double rainbow (a double blessing!!), it speaks to my heart that the LORD is not saying that there won't be "rainy" days (speed bumps) in your future...but HE will see you through them. HE is telling you HE is "large and in charge"...nothing will happen that you & HE together can't handle.

As a parent, have you ever been asked something and answered "Maybe" or "let me think on it". Well, sometimes as our heavenly FATHER...HE does that. Not because he doesn't know what is best for us-it is more because HE wants to make sure we are truly ready for the blessing and HIS answer.

I keep a dream journal along with my prayer journal. It is amazing how many times HE has answered me in this way. I suppose because "me" isn't getting in the way & HE can talk straight to my heart and mind.

I'll keep you in my prayers that HE gives you an answer that is clear to understand. I admit that sometimes I tell HIM "You're talking over my head, I don't understand." And HIS mssgs. do tend to get easier to see, then.

 

[fourdaughters]

ETA: the last 2 1/2 years have been filled with many obstacles - why would God have put those obstacles in place just for the answer to be to stick it out? Could it be because those obstacles led me to rekindle my relationship with Him?[/QUOTE]

Maybe all that you've been through in the past 2 1/2 years will help make your future business stronger. Maybe the struggles and triumphs of the past will lead to a more productive and prosperous business in the future.

We were in infertility treatment for 5 years...5 long years. I cried, I prayed, I cursed. One day, I woke up, cancelled a very important fertility appt and said that's enough. That same day I called an adoption agency, two years after that we adopted our Gracie( she's named after the saying " By the Grace of God") All that we went through for those 5 years, just made me appreciate our daughter all the more. It made me appreciate what I was given, what a gift I received. I think the struggles of the past help make for a stronger tomorrow. Sorry....Long reply. I hope your prayers are answered. Maybe they already have been.

 

[Buckalew11]

ETA: the last 2 1/2 years have been filled with many obstacles - why would God have put those obstacles in place just for the answer to be to stick it out? Could it be because those obstacles led me to rekindle my relationship with Him?

Maybe all that you've been through in the past 2 1/2 years will help make your future business stronger. Maybe the struggles and triumphs of the past will lead to a more productive and prosperous business in the future.

We were in infertility treatment for 5 years...5 long years. I cried, I prayed, I cursed. One day, I woke up, cancelled a very important fertility appt and said that's enough. That same day I called an adoption agency, two years after that we adopted our Gracie( she's named after the saying " By the Grace of God") All that we went through for those 5 years, just made me appreciate our daughter all the more. It made me appreciate what I was given, what a gift I received. I think the struggles of the past help make for a stronger tomorrow. Sorry....Long reply. I hope your prayers are answered. Maybe they already have been.[/QUOTE]

I agree. I think through obstacles and "fire" you get stronger. I think all of this has done what He intended to do which is bringing you back to Him.

God created people for relationship. God will almost (and maybe always) always do whatever it takes to get our attention when we have strayed from Him. I'vebeen there...more than once.

If I were you, I'd pray and tell God your doubts. Shoot straight with Him and tell him your fears, concerns and doubts. He already knows them anyway so there is nothing to be ashamed of. Sure, you've prayed hard, asked for help and have done the "plop and drop" (lol), but have you really poured your heart out with the other concerns? I can't tell you how relieved and freeing it will be to share yourself totally with Him. God says that if you have ANY concerns, big or small, bring them to Him. You've brought trouble to Him, now, bring your confusion and doubt and set it all on the table. Ask Him to reveal to you, turn it over to Him and when you get answers, don't ask Him again. Trust Him then and you'll be fine.

I remember when DH was out of work trying to decide what to do. he got offered 2 jobs at once and it turned into a nightmare. In the middle of the chaos, he said he had not sought God in any of it. I said, well, it is never to late. If I were you, I'd talk to him now. We knew it was not going to be the sort of opening the Bible and it say take KFD job or take OR job. We sought answers and believe we got them. God is faithful.

You are doing the right thing seeking Him and I am sure you will be rewarded with peace because of it.
Hugs to you, Breezy.

 

[c4a]

I agree. I think through obstacles and "fire" you get stronger. I think all of this has done what He intended to do which is bringing you back to Him.

God created people for relationship. God will almost (and maybe always) always do whatever it takes to get our attention when we have strayed from Him. I'vebeen there...more than once.

If I were you, I'd pray and tell God your doubts. Shoot straight with Him and tell him your fears, concerns and doubts. He already knows them anyway so there is nothing to be ashamed of. Sure, you've prayed hard, asked for help and have done the "plop and drop" (lol), but have you really poured your heart out with the other concerns? I can't tell you how relieved and freeing it will be to share yourself totally with Him. God says that if you have ANY concerns, big or small, bring them to Him. You've brought trouble to Him, now, bring your confusion and doubt and set it all on the table. Ask Him to reveal to you, turn it over to Him and when you get answers, don't ask Him again. Trust Him then and you'll be fine.

God is faithful.

You are doing the right thing seeking Him and I am sure you will be rewarded with peace because of it.
Hugs to you, Breezy.

[/QUOTE]

 

[breezy1077]

Thanks everyone.

Well.....I prayed last Thursday in prayer group for God to "hit me over the head" with his answer............and he did this afternoon.

DH lost his Branch today. He is still employed by the company, but he won't have the overhead to pay each month. It was a big nut - over $10,000 - that he won't be responsible for anymore. Instead, the State manager really likes him and told him to come work as a Senior Loan Officer in the State manager's branch.

This is actually a relief because DH only had 3 loan officers working for him and none of them were producing, so DH had to produce everything. The co. is shutting down a lot of branches in Ohio and DH's just happened to be one of them. It's going to take awhile to sink in and really embrace this - we've had our own branch for roughly 10 years now - but I think this will be really good for us.

I still don't know if it's the final answer or just a step in the right direction. But I do know that God definately had a hand in it and that we at least have our feet on the right path.

Interestingly, the State Manager told DH that this was a "blessing in disguise" - he used that phrase more than once with him. I asked if DH told him we'd been praying - DH said no - so I think this was God's way of confirming that it's His will.

So, if I could ask y'all for your continued prayers....I'd really appreciate it.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Things are revealed to us as needed. Have faith and trust........He will show you the right path.

Breezy....I'm glad things seem to have become clearer for you. Prayer works.

 

[breezy1077]

Breezy....I'm glad things seem to have become clearer for you. Prayer works.

Thank you....and yes it does!

I think it's interesting that I posted this thread just last night - and well, here we are.

Funny, but without God in my life right now, this kinda thing would have me freaking out - instead, I feel a bit sad, but only because a chapter in my life's story is ending. I feel eerily (sp?) calm about the whole thing - and I know that's God helping me deal with it too.

I can't remember which poster said it - but someone said that God would reveal the answer when I was ready to receive it - now I know what that means.....and how true it is.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I feel a bit sad, but only because a chapter in my life's story is ending.

...but a new chapter is beginning!

 

[breezy1077]

...but a new chapter is beginning!

That's true! Ya made me smile with that one.

 

[live4christp1]

Breezy - Wow! God works in amazing ways!

I keep this posted over my work computer and thought you might enjoy it:

When it is Gods time to bring something into our lives; He will often do it after He has prepared us to receive it. He may withhold a place of leadership Until He has taught us how to serve. He may withhold honor until He has taught us humility. He may withhold possessions until He has taught us contentment. He may withhold a relationship until He has taught us to be complete in Him. He may withhold and overflow of finances until He has taught us how to give. He may withhold guidance Until He has taught us what is pleasing to Him. He may withhold and active ministry until He has taught us how to be still.

 

[Buckalew11]

Thank you....and yes it does!

I think it's interesting that I posted this thread just last night - and well, here we are.

Funny, but without God in my life right now, this kinda thing would have me freaking out - instead, I feel a bit sad, but only because a chapter in my life's story is ending. I feel eerily (sp?) calm about the whole thing - and I know that's God helping me deal with it too.

I can't remember which poster said it - but someone said that God would reveal the answer when I was ready to receive it - now I know what that means.....and how true it is.

Referred to as "the Peace that passes all understanding!"

I remember the feeling quite well when my dad was dying and then died. it was something I thought I could not face. God was with me every step of the way.
I am so happy for you. You will always look back on this time and know God's Love for you.

I will keep you both in my prayers for the days to come.

 

[SC Minnie]

I pray but not often enough. Here is my hit over the head prayer answered story--

DH was in the hospital with complications from his appendix removal a couple of years earlier. It had been a week and a half and the Dr's didn't know when he would be released. He had a blockage and they couldn't find it. One Saturday I was getting ready to go the hospital I was doing a few things around the house before I left. I had been a bundle of nerves for a week and half- worrying about him, working 40+ hrs/week, and keeping DD's schedule as normal as possible. I asked God for help in dealing with all of this. I heard this voice tell me- 'He is coming on Wednesday' and all the stress immediately left my body. I went to the hosp and DH was pretty down and another specialist was coming in that day and wanted more test. I told DH he was coming home on Wed. He was a little irritated at me and said nobody knew when he was coming home. I told him I was 'told' he was coming Wed. He didn't believe me. Well, that Monday everything started to look better for him and his Dr said he would be going home in day or 2. He came home Wednesday morning.

There have been many other things too but this one happened just last year.

Breezy-- good luck with the new chapter in your lives.

 

[R McKay]

I couldn't read this thread without saying how much it uplifted and encouraged me this morning and Breezy, I'm happy to hear that the path has become so much clearer for you and your husband. My thoughts are prayers are with you as this new journey begins.

Knowing His voice is something I've struggled with too. While I don't really have anything to add (it's all been said and said so very very well!) I just wanted to say that over the years I've learned to (try) to quietly move forward trusting the still small voice in my heart. It's difficult to sum it up with something concrete like words, but I guess what I'm trying to say is that I reach a point, where I get quiet, give it to God and then go with what provides the most peace in my heart and from there... I step out on faith trusting that I am following Him and because of that faith, whether my actions are 100% right or wrong, I trust that He is with me, even if I did inadvertently take a slight detour somewhere along the line. I hope that makes sense. It's early here and I've been up since 3:00 AM

 

[kristilew]

The Bible studies I've been doing this fall have really opened my eyes to the nuances of the Lord's "rod and staff." These were tools of shepherd and were used to guide the sheep along the right path, with a tap here, a nudge there. The shepherd doesn't sit down with the sheep ahead of time and map out the plan to get to the green pastures, he just provides direction on a need-to-know basis. But were the sheep to look back (and have more than a sheepy brain in thier bodies), they could appreciate the safe path their shepherd led them along.

We are His sheep. His rod and His staff they comfort us, because we can trust that He is leading us along right paths. And compared to God, our brains are sheepy little things too, we are not skilled to understand how His plans work together. But we can still trust Him and follow where he leads, one little step at a time.

Breezy, so glad your trust is working for you. Keep us posted on where He leads you in the days ahead. You can be sure it won't be where you were expecting to go!

 

[breezy1077]

Thanks y'all for all the insight, kind words, and prayers.

I will keep y'all posted as to where God leads us. I'm not sure if this is "it" or if it's just a pitstop on the way to the final path. But I know that God has had His hand in it and that's comforting and exciting.

We keep getting calmer and happier about the new direction He has nudged us (or shoved us ) to take.

It's interesting that the doubts have creeped into DH's head and mine at opposing times and we have reassured each other through it. ie- when one of us has doubts, the other seems at peace and vice versa. I'm sure God is helping us with that too.

Our neighbor commented last night that it seems like a huge weight's been lifted from me - He told me that he mentioned something to his wife about how much "lighter" I seemed - and this was before we mentioned anything to him about what had happened. Ya know what........he's right, I feel "lighter".

Thanks all - I'll keep ya posted.