God is on the Move

 "God will make our obstacles serve His purposes." (August 2, Streams in the Desert)

These obstacles often inhibit progress: Physically, mentally, and/or spiritually.  These are often the focus of our prayers, as we fervently request for them to be removed.  

"These are the very conditions we need for achievement, and they have been put in our lives as the means of producing the gifts and qualities for which we have been praying so long." 

The author gave an example regarding patience - when we pray for patience, we are put into situations that test us and demand patience so that we can grow the very quality for which we asked.  How else does one develop the most important character traits, such as honesty, integrity, kindness, peace, etc? S/he must be in situations, often trying and/or hurtful, to develop those qualities. If one wishes to be honest, s/he will undoubtedly feel the smart and sting of dishonesty, whether it has been done to him/her or s/he has hurt someone else by being dishonest.  

It's a terrible way to have to learn a lesson, but it's the only way. 

"Turn from your running and submit.  Claim by faith to be a partaker in the patience of Jesus and face your trials in Him. There is nothing in your life that distresses or concerns you that cannot become submissive to the highest purpose.  Remember, they are God's mountains.  He puts them there for a reason, and we know He will never fail to keep His promise." 

I was reminded of the prayers that I have submitted regularly and faithfully - prayers for which I have known discouragement because either (to my way of thinking) they haven't been answered or the exact opposite has occurred. 

Today, I have incredible peace about those prayers.  Of course, there will be discouragement.  Of course, the opposite will happen.  How else will the prayer be answered?? 

God is on the move, as He always has been.  He is answering those prayers - in His way and on His timeline.  I must stay the course with my prayers and "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:12 - not surprisingly, also a scripture for today). 

Thankful. Humbled.  At peace (at least, for the moment)