My children were having one of those rare moments when they were, quietly and contentedly, playing together. After observing this for a few minutes, I snuck away to the kitchen to prepare for our dinner. It was amazing how quickly I could do the dishes, put things away, wipe the counters, bake a dessert, and start our supper when there were no little hands helping out!
As I was putting our casserole in the oven, my four-year-old skips into the room to find me. Without seeing me she yells, “Hey mom! Where are you?” She jumped unexpectedly as I responded with a gentle, “right here.” Havana giggled and commented, “I didn’t know you were in here… I didn’t hear you.” I wrapped my arms around my sweet girl — grateful that she, yet again, pointed me towards the Lord.
- How often do we call out asking God where is He?
- How often does He whisper “right here” but we don’t hear because we think it is up to us to search Him out?
- How often do we neglect to notice His presence because we equate it with His voice?
In marriage, there will be times when we are praying for God to perform a miracle.
We beg for Him to move us, our husband, and our situation. We beg for His revival in our stale and apathetic relationship. Sometimes, the Lord swoops in mightily and promptly. Other times, just as I was sneaking around the kitchen preparing for our evening, the Lord is working behind the scenes… cleaning and preparing for what is to come.
Frequently we don’t take notice of how He is working because we don’t hear Him. We assume because we aren’t hearing or seeing Him at work that He is no where to be found… that can be a very discouraging place to be. I know, I’ve been there!
Some days, my mind knows that Christ is my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1), but my heart has trouble believing it. This is usually because He isn’t working on my timetable or with my desired outcome (oh how I struggle with selfishness).
As a wife, I must have faith that God is working on my marriage — even when He is silent. I must be open to the very real possibility that His work might involve a change in my own heart or pride rather than a change in my husband or our situation. Above all, I must, must, must have patience!
How do you patiently wait on God?
darby dugger
Beth says
I often remind myself of how God is working in the “unseen,” but you’ve pointed out, Darby, another aspect that we often feel–His silence or at least quietness at times. I remember Phillip Yancey saying once that “God is shy.” I think that’s true in that He wants us to pursue Him. So I take your words to heart and I will remember to seek Him even when I don’t hear or see Him. Thanks for this important reminder, my friend!