Sometimes things just take time.
I know today’s quote by theologian Henri Nouwen talks about “the fruits of [our] labors,” and yes, there are times when our efforts don’t pay off right away. Months, maybe. Even years. You’re a fine, upstanding employee … but the promotion doesn’t happen. You do all the right “writerly” things — attend conferences, rewrite manuscripts, pay attention to feedback from mentors — but you don’t land a contract. Or you do land a contract and your book gets published … but sales are not everything you’d dreamed of.
I’ve experienced that kind of delayed results. Unrealized hopes.
But when I read today’s quote, what I thought of was laboring in prayer. Interceding for someone — even for yourself — and not getting an answer. Not a yes. Or a no. Just seeing the situation, whatever it is, continue. And so, you continue to pray because, well, we’re told to pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) And isn’t it funny how that verse is snugged right up next to the one that says “give thanks in all circumstances”? We’re told to let our requests be made know to God. (Philippians 4:6). And it’s interesting that this verse is preceded by the reminder to “be anxious for nothing” and that our requests are to be given with a thankful attitude.
When I’m praying and I’m not seeing results, I have to remember that God is working even when I don’t see anything changing. If nothing else, he’s working in my heart to trust him still. To trust him more. And he’s working in the situation … in the lives of the people I’m praying for. That, too, is something I have to trust. Prayer doesn’t make things happen the way I want to, when I want to. But prayer does pull me away from worrying and focus my heart back on the God who is always, always trustworthy.
In Your Words: What helps you stay the course when you’re not seeing longed-for results? And how can I pray for you today?
[ctt template=”8″ link=”L7Acy” via=”yes” ]In Others’ Words: Future Trust http://ctt.ec/L7Acy+ #InOthersWords #quote #prayer @bethvogt[/ctt] [ctt template=”8″ link=”b40ak” via=”yes” ]”…Trust, even when you don’t see the results.” #InOthersWords #HenriNouwen #prayer @bethvogt[/ctt]
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Comments 7
Very good thoughts. I’ll continue praying into grandchildren’s lives, and their children’s, believing that He who began a good work will complete it” and thankful for the quality of the indestructible seed involved.
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Dee:
Your words “He who began a good work will complete” reference Philippians 1:6, one of my favorite verses. (I know you know the verse.) It’s one of my “parent’s verses” too — one I pray for my children and now my grandchildren.
What helps stay the course? The decision to keep going for just a little while longer, and the understanding that either everything we do matters…or nothing does.
I choose to believe the former, and implicit in that is that results are unimportant. Our work, effort, and attitude contribute to a common whole that is taken up into God’s heart. We can be more of an example in failure than we would ever be in success.
Prayers would be nice, as I am experiencing pain completely beyond the bounds of reasonable tolerance. It’s rather like the worst flu you can imagine, added to food poisoning, added to a severe concussion, with a gunshot wound thrown in just for the fun of it. (Yes, I’ve had all of those, and sometimes simultaneously.)
T2020. I won’t quit, even today. Pain is merely weakness being forced from the body.
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Andrew:
First, know that you are continually in my prayers. Daily.
And yes, what we do matters — sometimes we don’t realize until much later why it matters or what difference we are making in someone else’s life.
What helps me to stay the course is the truth that God is in control. He knows the plans for me, for this life He’s given me. It’s not my job to tell Him what to do. It’s my job to obey, to lean into Him, and to trust Him. So, that’s what I endeavor to do.
Great post, my friend!
Jeanne, while God may be in control, you might consider the perspective of Ladron, my service-dog Queensland Heeler. She tells EVERYONE what to do, and would not hesitate to give God His marching orders.
And believe me, He would obey, because NO ONE wants to see a Heeler Meltdown.
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Jeanne: No, it’s not our job to tell God what to do, but I believe it’s okay to tell God what we’d like Him to do — and then leave it there with Him to decide. Although, to be honest, sometimes the leaving it there is challenging.