When God Speaks

The last time I wrote, I entitled the posting "When God is Silent." It was basically a summary of my thoughts about the lack of a job for Susie, and the lack of a contract on our house. We still await a job for Susie, but we have received (and accepted) an offer on our house. We are scheduled for closing on August 18, 2009. Please continue to bathe this in prayer. When it closes, we party!

This process has made me think about things that are uncomfortable for me (and you, if you are honest) to consider. Let me write, briefly, about a couple of them.

(1) Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future of hope."

Verse 10 says that "After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you and cause you to return to this place." SEVENTY YEARS? Are you kidding me? I have waited for God to bring a buyer for our home for two years. That's only twenty-four months, and I have been whining for about twenty-three of those. Waiting, but now I see an end to the test.

As I was driving to work this morning, I thought about how self-centered I am. Whining about a house that has not sold, while all the while we have lived in perfectly acceptable housing. Whining that, while the house had not sold, I have had a job, at least most of the time. And, even when unemployed, God continued to provide for our needs. Some through the State of Kansas sending me some of the money that many of you send there; more through the consistent support of friends. Friends like you, if you are reading this. Friends like many of you, even if you are not reading this.

There is apparently an end to this time of testing for us. It is August 18, 2009...our scheduled closing date. But as I was driving, I thought of you who face trials that may not end in this lifetime. Friends with children with special needs...friends who have lost children...friends with parents requiring your care and attention...friends with financial struggles beyond what I might imagine.

What do we say when God is quiet? I don't know. I do know this, however. God can take it when I complain. God can take it when I question Him. God can take it when I am angry with him. And God's love (and patience) with me never changes. And maybe, just maybe, God is not silent.Maybe God waits until I am ready to hear what He has to say to me. And maybe, it has nothing at all to do with selling a house. I don't really know. I know what James tells us, though:

James 1:3-4 "My brethern, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

I want the faith without the trials, but it doesn't work that way.

Pray for me, and I will pray for you, and count it all joy!