If you’ve been a reader of mine for a long time, you will recognize this as a repost from a few years ago. Originally posted January 4, 2008. (Because we definitely aren’t wearing coats here this week. Colin has been begging to wear shorts!!)
My seven-year-old son hates cold weather, and he hates coats. Or at least he hates the coats we have for him. As our warm Georgia weather changes from fall to winter, we must trade flip-flops for fleece. My poor son has been forced to wear a heavy coat. He doesn’t mind the occasional sweat jacket but cannot stand anything heavier. While shopping last week, I glanced at the jackets thinking if Colin had one he liked, I wouldn’t have to hear fussing and crying on super cold mornings. We, indeed, did find one to his liking, but I didn’t buy it. I told him I’d think about it.
Since then, he has begged me to go back and buy it. He has a really heavy coat but doesn’t like it because he says it’s too puffy, and he can’t move. So, we’ve forcibly agreed (Me doing the forcing. Him doing the agreeing.) on wearing a too small coat from last year that is, at least, the right weight. Meanwhile…
I have been praying about a need in my life I really want God to meet. I know He could just wink in my direction and POOF! Need met. But as much as I’ve prayed, there has been no winking and no poofing around here. It’s not like I’m asking for a golden mini-van with a home theater in the back. I’m asking about an honest need. Still, God has been silent. Until yesterday. Until I was reflecting on the coat. And God said – Yes, I could poof your need away, and to tell you honestly, I would like to. But then you wouldn’t have really learned anything. Just like Colin, you would think that you always got what you wanted just for the asking. I want you to have a strong faith. Know that I will provide. I AM JEHOVAH-JIREH. The Lord will provide.
I am thankful the Lord takes time to teach one so insignificant as me. And through Him not answering my prayer, He is teaching me:
1. to fully depend on Him.
2. to be thankful for what I have – I have been blessed with so much.
3. to be humble – no one wants to learn this lesson, but we all need to sometimes.
4. to be patient.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes. 5:16-18 NIV
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 NIV
I’m holding on to the promises; He is faithful.
Do you feel God is silent about something you have been praying about? Keep praying and keep listening. He may be telling you to wait. Write down either one or both of these verses and claim them today. Call to JEHOVAH-JIREH. He will provide.
