February 2, 2009

What are YOU waiting for?

Last night we watched Fireproof. I was impressed. JD was impressed. We've made new commitments to one another.

That might deserve it's own post, but for now I want to share something that I feel God has put on my heart to share.

Not all my readers are Christians, but that doesn't exclude you from this post (or any post, for that matter.) Keep reading.

So many of us have, or are waiting for something in our lives. A job, a spouse, a child, peace...I could go on for hours. Most of us (believers or not) have cried out to God asking for an answer.

"How long do I have to wait, God?"

It's no secret that JD and I have been waiting for 23 months for a second child. And during these last 23 months, we've had many conversations over what we're supposed to do while we're waiting.

Do we pursue fertility treatments or "wait for God" to fix things for us?

Should you marry this guy who is "good enough" or wait for God to lead you to someone else?

Should you take this job, even though you're not quite sure it's where the Lord wants you?

Anyone with me?

While we're not perfect at the waiting game, we feel like we might be getting better at it. We continue to pray, seek God's will for our lives and our family, treasure our time with Lorelai and with one another.

Just when we think we've got it down, we hear a sermon (or a song, in this case) that brings us back to reality.

Are we really doing all we can while we wait?

We aren't. This weekend, we have a new look at our current situation.

I don't know why we're having such problems with secondary infertility, or why so many people are losing their jobs and suffering in so many ways. What we do know is that God is good. He is faithful. He is as good now as He was when things were going "our way." There is a reason we go through these trials. And we'll do our best to praise Him and remain faithful to Him, because that's what He tells us to do.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (Message Translation)
"...
Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time;
thank God no matter what happens.
This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live."
(and yes, I had to look this up. I'm not the scripture-looker-upper-contest-winner.)

This song reminds us to worship Him, serve Him, and keep running the race, while we're waiting.

I pray this speaks to someone ... anyone.

While I'm Waiting ~ John Waller
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Here is the song, along with a Fireproof trailer if you're interested.


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26 comments:

JAMIE'S CREW said...

Wow! Thanks for sharing that. I have just begun to hear some buzz about Fireproof and didn't know anything about it.

Have you and JD seen Facing the Giants? Another excellent movie. I have heard it is by the same people as Fireproof.

Jen said...

Hey There, Great post :)

Sometimes this whole waiting and being patient thing really is for the birds. You are one of the strongest people I know and I continue to pray for you guys. I pray for God to reveal is plan and make that plan clear as can be so there is no, "What should we do during this time?" questions out there....

Love you, Rachel.

Rach@In His Hands said...

You're speaking to me, girl.

I realize more and more that just when I think I've got the waiting thing down, I get slammed...because I haven't been totally relying on Him.

I'm praying and praying and praying...for both of us. ;-)

Heather of the EO said...

I love this post. When life is just so painful and hard, it's easy to throw our hands up and shout WHERE IS GOD? But He is there, the comforter. The one that did not abandon us, but cries with us.

Peace to you as you wait,
Heather

Joanne and Deric said...

You gave me goose bumps...
Funny you mention this, I did not know what this movie was. D and I are off to a marriage seminar on Saturday night at church and they are going to show this movie.

Unknown said...

We watched "Fireproof" last night too. It was way better than I thought it would be and gave me a deeper appreciation for my spouse and my marriage.

And, yes, the waiting is always the hardest. I always want to just hurry up and fix things myself, which never ends good. Love the song.

Andrea said...

Thank you for that, Rachel.

Now let me share something with you. Twice in the last year and a half I have been "reunited" with old friends, neither of whom I recall being very devoted Christians at the time of our original friendships. But both times these women popped back into my life at a time I was feeling pretty low spiritually & faithfully. Both times these old friends turned out to be some of the most devoted, inspirational & spiritually intellectual people I have known. Both times I was left in awe of the wonderful women they had become. Women I can learn from, "speak" with, and, at times, lean on. The first time I chalked it up to coincidence. The second time, I now realize, is my wake up call; my kick in the butt, if you will.
I have been waiting for answers of my own for a long time. Many times I have almost given up...believing He must not be listening, or even there at all. These recent reconnections; this blog post; the song you have shared ARE Gods way of telling me He is there...and listening...and loving me. I need to pay more attention and actively FIND the answers He is providing me with everyday...like this post.
So thank you, Rachel, for your words, your thoughts, your help. I'll be praying that your family also finds the answers you crave.

Anonymous said...

Love the post Rachel. I love that you put 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 in there. It is so true that people usually only pray when they are sad or wanting/needing something. Alex and I realized this one day and decided that we weren't going to neccesarily pray anymore for what we think we want/need (because He already knows better than us what we need) but to pray for all the things He has blessed us with. We also pray for PATIENCE as we wait to see what He has in store for us next, WISDOM to recognize it when it does come, HOPE that we can take things that aren't what we consider ideal and learn from them and to gain strength from, among other things. Thanks again. (P.S. The song made me cry-I felt like I was in church, worship always makes me cry)

Anonymous said...

Jim and I saw Fireproof a couple months ago... we could definitely relate. That was our life 4 years ago (including the "happy ending" - we are proof that God answers prayers!) :)

Mindy

Elizabeth Byler Younts said...

great post. truly my heartbeat also...why the waiting...and with the waiting what am i learning? WHY WHY!

i haven't watched fireproof yet but will when esquire comes home and will watch the video you posted after i leave this comment...should i get a tissue ready?

Emily said...

Great post!!! I am a firm believer that good things come to those who "wait".. I have my son who is proof that God is wonderful and faithful to us everyday.

I love that song and can't wait to see that movie.

thetoothchick said...

I love this blog. I completely understand what you are saying. I have had an epiphany (that was a long time coming) that everything Dave and I are going through right now is a blessing. I feel lucky to be experiencing it. It makes me appreciate everything so much more. I used to think, "Why me?", "God, tell me the plan.", but I finally feel at peace with it all. I don't have to know the plan, because I don't have to be in complete control. I have to relinquish some of the control. I know that I am lucky to have gone through all of this. I have gained so much from this experience. I pray for you and know that baby #2 is on the way for you.

Alaskangal B said...

That is great you posted about that movie. I have a very dear friend of mine that is going through rough times in her marriage. Her marriage counselor told her and her husband to watch it togther. Her busband would NOT. But trooper that she is..she watched it alone. She called me crying, talking about how she has to keep trying..even if he is not. So that she feels better. That trailer looks like it will be a good movie. I think people in the line of duty, cops, firefighters, miltary(my husband) have an extra stress that other careers don't. Thank you for sharing those verses and the trails that you are going through.

Anonymous said...

Thank you!!!

Jesstern said...

Jim and I just rented this a few nights ago and really loved the whole message of it. We truly desire to not wake up one day and realize that we are strangers, but it's something that can slowly and easily happen if we're not careful. And children, although such a blessing, add to that risk significantly. I hope that everyone has an opportunity to see this movie. It's like a modern-day parable! :)

Jackie said...

Right there with you girl - with the waiting, the questions, the wondering. But He is still good - I believe it with all of my heart.

We saw Fireproof last week and loved it. Sort of a wake-up call and a fantastic message.

Mrs. Fabulous said...

I just sent you an email. Thanks for writing this. I needed to read that bible verse...

Lexie said...

Wow.

I have yet to see the movie, but was moved by the video you posted. I know several couples who saw this movie and left with a deeper, more meaningful relationship.

Teresa said...

I recently saw the book "The Love Dare" in the store (it's the book he works through in the movie). My church was able to buy tickets for a local fire department so that they could take their wives. I thought that was a really cool outreach!

Anonymous said...

Did you post this for ME? J/K, but your post was great because I am definitely in the middle of a rough patch right now, and waiting is difficult, but daily prayer is sometimes all I have to keep me positive!
If you ever wanna have lunch, coffee, crafting help, etc., please let me know!

Lee Ann

Nancy said...

Loved the movie-shed some refreshing tears. Can identify with the waiting "thing"! When God leads us to the "waiting room" the Bible is a great read!

Anonymous said...

We saw Fireproof the night it came out with a group from church. It really is amazing. I wish every married couple could see it. They are showing again at our church next Friday with a spaghetti dinner. We bought tickets for Sara and Matt.

Your prayers will be answered. Know that. I love 1Thes 5:16-18. God is smiling right now. You got it. That is all he wants. The world needs more blogs like this. Our country has been pushing Him away for years. It is time to bring Him back.

Love you,
Tina

Anonymous said...

What an awesome way to share your faith in God and love for people. I am sooo proud of you and thankful you are my precious daughter-in-law. I am blessed!!!!!!

Elspeth said...

Beautiful post, Rachel. Thanks for sharing it.

kmammah.blogspot.com said...

What an awesome testimony Rachel!!

Gifts of Nature said...

I love to find other Christian bloggers out there. I have put a link to your blog on mine http://livingsingleinsmalltownamerica.blogspot.com/

Keep spreading the faith!