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Prayer and Praise While I Wait


We recently finished up our study of James and chapter 5 left me with a lot to think about.
It’s so easy to envy the wicked. They seem to have abundance, answer to no one and have all the fun…. At least that is what Satan wants me to believe. But God reminds me of the truth. The truth of eternity.  And it is because of this truth that I can push aside the envy and be patient, waiting on God.

With spring approaching, I have been eagerly perusing the racks of seeds on display in the home improvement stores. My mind envisions plants of zucchini, tomatoes, snap peas, and basil growing in the sunshine this summer. I can’t wait to plant my garden, but the cold weather insists that I be patient and wait.
Once I do get to plant it, there will be more waiting to be done. But as I wait, I will can busy myself with weeding, watching for bugs, fertilizing, watering and caring for the plants as they grow, anticipating the delicious veggies that will be produced. I don’t exactly enjoy all these tasks, but the end product is definitely worth it all!
My heart is a lot like a spiritual garden. I can’t expect fruit without the work or in the wrong season. As I anticipate Christ’s return I can busy myself planting seeds of the gospel and serving others in His love. I don’t always enjoy each and every task or see the progress, but the benefits far outweigh this; establishing in my heart a steadfastness that will not crumble and definitely worth it all!

I cannot forget that in all this planting, serving and waiting, prayer and praise play a big part.  In fact, prayer and praise should be where I begin. And if God is my number one bestie and main focus, prayer and praise will come more naturally.

These two actions produce trust, security, joy, healing, confession and power. All things I will need as I wait. And I will be too busy to have time to envy.

Isaiah 40:31 (NAS) “but they that wait for Jehovah shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.”

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