Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park #PureMichigan
“It is often during a time of waiting, of seemingly just treading water, that God is silently, imperceptibly at work, molding and forging us as His instruments. One British candidate for the ministry became frustrated and impatient that it was taking so long for her to go through the preparation to be released for missions in India.
“Amy (Carmichael) wrote to her, ‘Think of these two or three years as given to forging the blade for what only a blade of that temper can do.’
“It may be a time of growing, stretching, squeezing, pruning and purging, but God is forming us into the men and women of God He can use best.”
~Paul L. King in Moving Mountains
Still waiting,
Sandy
Welcome to Still Saturday where we pause after a busy week, move in quiet pilgrimage, maybe linger a while in some still place, and soak in the beauty of images and words. We’d love for you to join us. Get the details on the left, grab your favorite button, and link up below. We all love to hear if something especially speaks to your heart, but please don’t feel pressured to comment. Simply take some time to gaze long and drink deep.
waiting here, feeling His hands at work, knowing that much growth takes place in hiding…
Thanks for this, Sandy. I’ve always liked the phrase “resting in God”, but I think “waiting with God” is a good one, too.
I’m reminded of when our children were just toddlers and were impatient for some promised thing to materialize. They thought it was taking forever to get the necessary preparations completed. “All in good time,” we’d say. “Be patient. It’ll be worth waiting for.” 🙂
Powerful quotes this morning, Sandra. The image of God sharpening us in the waiting is so very encouraging, isn’t it? xox
Dear Sandy, Thank you. Lord willing, I’ll be 60 in December and know a little about waiting, and the mystery of time. I read Amy Carmichael a lot when I was a young teacher of children with special needs. I think we all have special gifts and special needs. I returned to her work again this year.
Paul L. King is a new author for me.
Blessings, Ellen
Amy knew her friend needed perspective in the waiting. The truth is we never the strength, the shape of the sword that is necessary for what lies before… Thanks for good thoughts this morning.
Your amazing picture and these powerful words remind me of something: many times we have our head down or miss the beauty that’s all around us when we are in the waiting. Our attitude determines how we see and process things. I’m in my own waiting time in some regards, but I will choose to see the beauty. Thanks Sandra.
Sandra, It’s been awhile since I linked up with Still Saturday. I just haven’t felt my posts were very peaceful or “still” but today I linked up and I’m so glad I did. Your post is exactly what I needed to hear today. It’s so hard at times to grasp that God is really at work during these times when we are waiting or even in a desert, but if we can always remember that then it can be a most valuable time in our walk with Him. I think of Joseph in prison and how he embraced that and God used it for a greater purpose farther on down the line. Thank you, Sandra.
Oh I SO know the truth of these words, Sandy! Still, the waiting can be hard sometimes, can’t it? The trust needs to be there for the waiting to truly be appreciated as a gift, rather than a burden.
Patience…often a strong suit for me, but not in all things. Amy Carmichael’s wisdom and insights are always such a blessing to me. Thank you for encouraging me this day, Sandy.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
You’ve been on my heart and in my prayers Sandy – as you wait.
I am learning to find joy, Him and fullness in the wait. I don’t like the word patient – but I am learning to like waiting with grace. It is a verb – lots of things happen in the wait. Thank you for reminding me.
Yes, indeed, Sandy . . . It’s in the waiting when He helps us to grow and understand His purpose for our lives.
Blessings!
I’m waiting on something. Been waiting for a long time. I think it’s getting near. But my heart aches. Really needed to read this today! Thanks…and thanks for the link-up.
Thank you for this beautiful quote this morning. Since returning from Guatemala I’ve been working on slowing down and not trying to rush God’s plans for me. I’m discovering the joy in the waiting.
Blessings to you.
Beth
Waiting was also the theme in the sermon today – Your post just confrims us to be patient and trusting in Him!
Blessings to your week, Sandy,
Nina