Thursday, November 26, 2009

Groanings to Guidance

"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:26-28

Not being able to sleep, I climbed out of bed, picked up my Bible and began to read. I wasn't very far into today's reading before I came to the passage above and tears began to flow. That's exactly where I am. I am weak. I don't know what God wants. I'm wordless. But, God is working.

Not knowing the undisclosed will of God, should I be praying for relief or endurance? As some of you know, I went for my yearly physical this past Thursday. I was feeling great going into the exam. During the internal something happened. I have been in much abdominal pain over the last five days. Going back to my Dr's office on Monday, he wanted me scheduled for two different ultrasounds. The receptionist called the clinic and I was scheduled for Tuesday, December 8th in the afternoon. (I'm speaking at a Ladies Christmas Tea in the morning.) Without any prompting from me, before hanging up the phone the receptionist asked if they ever have cancellations and could they call me if something came up sooner. Do you know that my cell phone was ringing as I pulled in my driveway minutes later? Could I come Thursday morning at 8:30am instead? That's today! That's God! Before we call He answers. I honestly don't know how I would have lasted another 12 days of being in this much discomfort without someone doing a further exam. (Just to clarify the word "discomfort". I have a very high pain tolerance. My appendix almost ruptured years ago because I wasn't demonstrating that I was in enough pain. So, "discomfort" to me would probably translate to severe pain for someone else.)

Although I am so thankful how God has brought today to dawn, I'm scared. If you read yesterday's post, you know the evil one has been attacking my mind with endless worry. The verses above have spoken to my heart. God's timing is perfect.

I am so thankful that the Spirit knows what I do not know, namely God's revealed will. When life is against me, God is for me. The Holy Spirit is praying and interceding on my behalf. Times of deepest perplexity are times of deepest communion. The Spirit translates my uncertainty with divine certainty, making my confusion exactly what I should pray. The will of God is being taken to the heart of God on my behalf.

God is good all the time, but everything is not good all the time, yet He is causing everything to happen according to His purpose. I do believe that nothing happens accidentally. In all things God is working out His plan. God is not working for those, but to those, on those. God cares about Christlikeness, not convenience and comfort. He is calling me to trust Him in this.

This health concern may appear to be ruining my life right now, but it is ramping up God's plans. God foreknew, pre-destined, called, justified and He will be glorified, even in this circumstance. I must walk forward today, confident in Christ. God will not allow anything to get in the way of how He is conforming me. When I pray God's will, I know He hears me, and if He hears me, He has the answers I truly long to receive. It's not knowing what to pray that is important, but that I pray. I will go from groanings to guidance.

Lord, help me not to waste nasty, unexpected circumstances. You can use them to reveal Jesus in me. Sometimes God doesn't remove a 'thorn' because we can experience the perfection of His power in us and show God off. What God allows is often challenging, but we know He loves us and He is still in control.

Take my prayers God way so that God can take my life Christ way.

(Many thoughts taken from a sermon I heard back in the summer of 2006, Pastor Rick Baker)

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8 comments:

Brandee said...

Joy, Praying for you right now. Let us know what the doctor says. We all love you!

Brandee

Lori said...

Joy, love what you wrote: "God will not allow anything to get in the way of how He is conforming me." God knows your tomorrow's and He is your Father. He cares and loves you more than anyone! That is a truth you can hug all day long.
Praying for you. Love, Lori - AZ

Anonymous said...

Joy, you are such a warrior!
In God's strength, we can get through all things.
You are in my prayers!
Karen - central OR

CC said...

Joy, I will be lifting you up in prayer. May God's peace be pon you, ma you feel His loving arms around you.

Cheryl

~Grace and Peace said...

Joy,
I prayed for you last night when I read your entry yesterday and I prayed for you this morning as well. Everything that you will go through as passed through God's hands. Reading your post today, it looks like you already know that. Keep praising God, dear sister. You glorify Him.

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

"Lord, help me not to waste nasty, unexpected circumstances. You can use them to reveal Jesus in me. "

What a powerful statement! I needed that. Because there have been some nasty, unexpected circumstances lately....especially yesterday....that almost threw me for a loop! But in the midst of the pain and disappointment I had a feeling of God's comfort and care. Awesome.

Marilyn

Chef Diane said...

Father,

Allow Joy to rest in you right this very moment. Help her to accept what is and will be. We know that you will never leave or forsake us.
The unknown is so scary in you may we find peace.
Remind Joy that you have her in the palm of your hand.
You catch every tear and hear every whisper. Amen.

Joy, may you stand on the edge and face the storms of the unknown.
Put your chest out and hold your head high. Knowing the Lord has His mighty hand on your back.
Praying for you,
hugs,
Diane

Patty said...

Joy, Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us. I will be praying for you.
Lord,
I lift up Joy to you. You know her inside and out. You know her prayers, even when she doesn't know the words to pray.
Lord, I ask that you give Joy, rest at night, relief from her pain, peace in the waiting and answers to her questions. Father most of all I pray that you will descend on Joy with your peace that passes all understanding.
In Jesus' Holy Name. Amen

I love you sister.

Patty