A Timely Text From God?

A situation had not worked as I hoped it would. I was tired. I desperately needed some peace, quiet, time to think, and time in nature with my Heavenly Father.

I decided earlier in the morning that I would take off after posting on social media. A nearby lake is good for fishing but not swimming, so I knew it would be quiet. When I got there, I first went to my normal spot. Dotting the bank of the lake were men sitting in their chairs, baited poles in the water. Looking for alone time, I drove back the way I came and saw two more men sitting in the grass with their lines deep in the water.

I spotted a vacant picnic table by the water which was only a short walk down the hill. This was not a problem until I realized how much goose droppings there were between me and the lake. Watching my step, I descended the hill. Safely at the bottom, my reward was the tranquility of the lake.

My soul finds rest spending time with my Heavenly Father while in nature. I had been there a little while taking pictures, talking, praising, thinking, and watching waterbugs, dragonflies, and little fish. It was freeing to just go with the flow. 

Sitting by the lake with no responsibility and no serious time restraints, I talked with God. I began crying and pouring my heart out about life, disappointment, and especially about moving. After a bit, my phone ding dinged, notifying me of a text. It was from my pastor. Without opening it, I checked the preview of the text just to be sure it wasn’t anything urgent, and this is what I saw, “Have you ever felt left out by God? That somehow God might be answering everyone else’s prayers but not yours? I’m sure . . .” At first, I was like what? I see You, Father. Then I remembered I had asked my pastor for a little something to place in the Pastor’s Desk section for the monthly newsletter. For the record, he could have written and sent that to me at any time within the two weeks or so that I asked for it, and there it was–sent when I needed it most. 

Because it was not urgent and that was all I needed to see, I did not read the rest of the text right then. Instead, I chose to repent for my self-centered, whiny attitude. Friends, I like to keep it real so I would like to share how the conversation went.

Father God: Do you feel that is what I am doing, Anne?

Me: No God, not really, well maybe on the moving part, Father, but I know You know best. You see and know what I need. I see Your love and favor everywhere I go.

Father God: I have not forgotten you, My child. Be still and be assured. 

Me: God, I have been still. I won’t go without You. So many times I was ready. So many times I knew to wait on You. You keep telling me to keep walking, and I keep telling You I trust You, Lord. Your way is the only way. 

After that exchange, a cool, gentle breeze came up, and I was reminded He is always with me and always for me. Friends, I need you to know, Father God is for us! Just because we are not getting our way or certain prayers answered when we want them answered and how we want them answered does not mean He is against us. If anything that should be the best indicator that He is for us.  

He knows why He is not giving us what we want. He knows why He is not giving it to us when we want. He is protecting us or maybe preparing us. Maybe He is holding off to give us the best when we are willing to settle for mediocre. I try to remember what the Bible tells us. “My thoughts are completely different from yours,” says the Lord. “And My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT

I could have moved when I decided it was time or do what I am doing and wait and trust that when Father God is orchestrating the move, my mind will be blown. I say all of the above to encourage you to seek our Father, wait patiently, and see what He has for you.

I believe in keeping it real and keeping it simple–whatever it is. Initially, I was hesitant to share my conversation with you because 1) it was a precious, private conversation between my Heavenly Father and me, and 2) because some may not understand this communication or find it odd. That’s okay. I ask you not to dismiss it just because you do not understand. Search and seek for yourself. I will be glad to hear from you and do my best to answer any questions you may have. I was there too. I, too, began my quest not knowing or understanding, and now helping others know and understand the God I know is of most importance to me.