In Christ Alone!

Unexpected Answers ~

Matthew 7:7-8 says, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

Those verses have been so familiar to me all my growing up years. Many a time have I held to those promises and claimed them as my own while asking, seeking, and knocking in various areas. However, there are and have been times when I believe them without applying Faith. I know the words are true, yet I don't really have faith that what I'm asking, seeking out, or knocking on will come about. But God is faithful through it all. And more times than I can count he has answered my prayers unexpectedly, but answered none the less.

Recently, especially over the past week, I have been wondering, thinking, pondering, praying, and thinking some more (half of my thoughts become prayers, I believe) about my future. I am a 20 year old single girl.... young lady.... woman....  with a whole future ahead of me. I don't want to waste my life; my one, God-given, Jesus-died-for, blessed with such an awesome upbringing, life. I want to live my signature life, a life that I'll proudly sign my name to when it is accomplished, now. But how? What am I doing now, that is big and grand and God's Will? What am I doing now, that is leading me to a prosperous future of glorifying God? Which of my talents and passions am I supposed to pursue and polish and put to practice most? So many questions....

Please tell me you all have had questions and doubts and similar confusing thoughts!!!

My main prayer for my life is that I would be a blessing to people and minister unto others no matter what I'm doing. I always envisioned myself in the youth ministry, or as a Christian children's writer in my spare time while being a stay-at-home Mom. But since none of those things have been coming about recently I start second guessing myself. Is what I'm doing really God's Will for my life?

As my pastor has said a million and one times, "Grow where you are planted." I thought that would be easy. I'm constantly being proven different. Growing includes stretching in ways that are uncomfortable, being scorched with the blazing sun, nearly drowning in floods of rain, being tossed around by the winds of every which way. And although we don't notice the good in all those things, we're growing stronger, taller, and healthier every day into the people God wants us to be.

Proverbs 22:1 says, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold."

But what that verse doesn't say, is that a good name will keep the town talking about you and loving favor will keep you forever busy. I couldn't possibly list how many times people call us up and ask us if we could help them out somehow. And as tiresome, frustrating, and time consuming as it all gets, it is amazing!

Just this past weekend God opened my eyes and showed me that in the little things of my life, in the midst of my growing, I am being a blessing to people and ministering to others.

A few days ago my sister and I got asked to care for a lady we knew of (her name is Faith, imagine that) who has the beginning stages of alzheimer's. Her husband, and care giver, is currently in the hospital with serious pneumonia and has slim chances of making it. My sister has had experience with watching an older woman with alzheimer's before, but for me, it's an all new world. Her children wanted someone with her at all times, so we'll be switching off days, nights, whatever fits our schedule. I am trying to look at this opportunity as great training. Training for what, I haven't yet figured out, but I know I want to do my best in all that I do, because our Lord most likely won't train me for something that I won't need later on.

This could last a week, two, three, who knows. I'm hoping the sooner it's over, the better. Because it slightly (ok more than slightly) messes up some family routines. It all depends on what happens to the husband, and if the children think Faith should go to a nursing home or not. Everything is new ground to all of us right now, so we just don't know.

SO!! I guess this is a multipurpose post. I'm letting you know how God had been answering my prayers in unexpected ways. I'm letting you know that my schedule will be chaotic throughout the next few weeks. And I'm asking for prayer that I would be patient in this time of training and growing and that everything would run smoothly.

    Thank you all!
~His humble servant~
     Stephanie

Hi

3:07 PM, Sep. 25, 2006 .. Posted by alaska0girl

HI Stephanie. How are you doing lately? Sorry I have not been by in forever.

alycia

Untitled Comment

8:24 AM, Sep. 27, 2006 .. Posted by SandBetweenMyToes

Stop by today and wish Ashley (PinkFlamingo) a happy 20th birthday. You can see her baby pictures on my blog (SandBetweenMyToes).

Her Mom!

Wow!

5:42 PM, Sep. 28, 2006 .. Posted by friends4tea

What a post! I remember having all those very same thoughts and questions rolling around in my head. It's so hard to figure out life isn't it! I still have lots of questions rolling around in my head but just about different things now. I'm sure God will show you where he wants to you be and I think that your dream of being a stay-at-home mom is a good desire!
As for the lady that you are taking care of.... I think that would be hard and a very challenging thing to do. You are a brave soul for doing something like that! I know that you will bless her!!
Many hugs to you dear friend!
Leah =)

Important

8:56 PM, Sep. 29, 2006 .. Posted by SnowWolf

I have a new post on my blog that I think you should see. It is somewhat depressing, but its very important and I think everybody here should read it.

Thank you...

3:24 PM, Oct. 12, 2006 .. Posted by PinkFlamingo

...for this post!! You pretty much put my feelings into words!! Don't worry, you are definitely not the only one struggling with questions, confusion, and doubts.
My mom always reminds me, "confusion is not from God." We must give Him our questions and fears and trust Him to give us the answers in His perfect time. It's so hard not to take things back into our own hands and try to figure it out, especially if you're like me and analyze everything.
I have a friend at church who likes to share this word picture: he says that life is like a series of veils, and as we walk along, God lifts each veil one at a time, allowing us to see just a bit farther. He never shows us the entire picture at once, or we would be completely overwhelmed. Of course at times I wish I could see the whole picture, but it doesn't work that way. :-)
Well, these have just been my random thoughts developing as I write them. I hope I made some sense. :-) I'll be praying for you Stephanie and God bless.
Ashley