Timing
It is interesting to think about the concept of timing. (You know…God working on another reality outside of time and us trying to get him to work on our time table). I don’t know if anyone else does that, but I do at timesJ
I remember when we first moved to South Florida after being in Gainesville for nearly 10 years. We had just had our first baby and I was so lonely. I remember that feeling of being the only one in a particular situation. I was praying while playing with the baby and had a great inspired idea to start a moms group. I just KNEW that there had to be other moms in my boat and by goodness I was going to find them. I made up flyers and dropped one off at all the doors in our neighborhood. Almost 800 doors over 1 week’s time. I just walked Jackson in the stroller and canvassed the area. I look back at it now and laugh. I had a great play date planned and guess what…not one call. I was devastated and even mad at God. “I don’t understand God? I feel like you gave me an amazing idea and I acted on it and nothing…all that work and then nothing?”
Well, I think I was a little early. Does anyone else feel a little early? It is interesting looking back over the last 5 years. I actually did have the opportunity to create several moms groups and develop a small business around it that eventually grew to big to just do a little bit and I had to transition out of it. But all of that happened with me being intentional and acting within God’s acting.
Currently we have a house and a car than needs to sell. I think it is ironic that Mike and I are talking about “alternative” streams of income for the emerging church planter at thin space and we are getting hit on all sides financially. It is pretty typical and comes with the territory I guess. Mike and I just ate lunch and began brainstorming some ideas that we could do and I was reminded of timing. And that God is never late. He knows just what He is doing. Last week, we were blessed with an unbelievable scholarship for school next year for our children. It came out of left field. My mouth was literally open from shock as I sat in the principles office. As she spoke I felt like it was God blessing us with his mercy. I didn’t even have the courage to pray for that. I was at home afterwards, and I distinctly remember throwing away some trash and as I opened the lid to the trash can I felt like God said “This is my gift to you.” So I don’t know what God’s timing is in all of this. I just know that eventually this part of our life’s puzzle will make since.
Take courage dear friends. Aslan is on the move. Pray that outrageous prayer. It may be hours, days, weeks or years before it opens up before you, but God is moving and calling and blessing and building His kingdom. You are right were you are supposed to be.
I remember when we first moved to South Florida after being in Gainesville for nearly 10 years. We had just had our first baby and I was so lonely. I remember that feeling of being the only one in a particular situation. I was praying while playing with the baby and had a great inspired idea to start a moms group. I just KNEW that there had to be other moms in my boat and by goodness I was going to find them. I made up flyers and dropped one off at all the doors in our neighborhood. Almost 800 doors over 1 week’s time. I just walked Jackson in the stroller and canvassed the area. I look back at it now and laugh. I had a great play date planned and guess what…not one call. I was devastated and even mad at God. “I don’t understand God? I feel like you gave me an amazing idea and I acted on it and nothing…all that work and then nothing?”
Well, I think I was a little early. Does anyone else feel a little early? It is interesting looking back over the last 5 years. I actually did have the opportunity to create several moms groups and develop a small business around it that eventually grew to big to just do a little bit and I had to transition out of it. But all of that happened with me being intentional and acting within God’s acting.
Currently we have a house and a car than needs to sell. I think it is ironic that Mike and I are talking about “alternative” streams of income for the emerging church planter at thin space and we are getting hit on all sides financially. It is pretty typical and comes with the territory I guess. Mike and I just ate lunch and began brainstorming some ideas that we could do and I was reminded of timing. And that God is never late. He knows just what He is doing. Last week, we were blessed with an unbelievable scholarship for school next year for our children. It came out of left field. My mouth was literally open from shock as I sat in the principles office. As she spoke I felt like it was God blessing us with his mercy. I didn’t even have the courage to pray for that. I was at home afterwards, and I distinctly remember throwing away some trash and as I opened the lid to the trash can I felt like God said “This is my gift to you.” So I don’t know what God’s timing is in all of this. I just know that eventually this part of our life’s puzzle will make since.
Take courage dear friends. Aslan is on the move. Pray that outrageous prayer. It may be hours, days, weeks or years before it opens up before you, but God is moving and calling and blessing and building His kingdom. You are right were you are supposed to be.
posted by Amber Bishop at 1:58 PM
3 Comments:
Amber, thanks for these stories. I have felt God's call, and jumped ahead, and then felt frustrated and angry . "Hey God, wasn't this your idea? Didn't you give me this stupid calling?" Now I find myself in a waiting place -- but it's OK.
Thanks for your story Amber. If I could tell the roller-coaster story of last year, and this year up until 3-weeks ago, much would resonate.
I hope that everything works out. I remember three of the questions that Rowan Williams asks as part of the discernment process. I think they're just as useful for reflecting backwards on one's life, but also thinking about the future:
(1) What course of action more fully seems to resonate with the kind of life Christ lived and lives?
(2) What course of action opens up more possibilities for God to 'come through'?
(3) What opens rather than closes doors for God's... creating work to go on?
Praying that house / car sale goes well, and that all else unfolds in a way that gives you both the peaceful assurance that all will be well.
Paul
http://prodigal.typepad.com
Thanks Paul,
those questions are so helpful. We will keep you posted on how God moves for us.
Peace to you!
Amber
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