sheer image

hear it in the stairwell: Guster-Keep it Together

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" (Psalm 27:14).

Ever know exactly what you're supposed to do, and yet you are called to wait?Tough, ain't it? Or maybe you have no clue what to do and you're just searching. And I'm not talking about the four-year delay that college puts on our career aspirations; I'm talking about your calling, your ministry; that deep pounding in your heart when you think about it, and the adrenaline rush you feel flow through your veins at the sheer image of where  God is going to take you.
But you must wait … wait upon the Lord.
I'm there right now. Right this very second, actually. And it's not an easy place to be. It's halfway between frustration and the urge to cartwheel down the hall with joy. I think I'll opt for the latter.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law" –(Galatians 5:22-23).

There are two Greek words that translate into the English word "patience". They are humophone and makrothumia:
Humophone means "to persevere, remain under ... bearing up under." This is the quality of patience that does not allow someone to surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial. –Often, this word is also  translated into "endurance" or "perseverance". It is inspired by elpis, or "hope".
Makrothumia is "forebearance ... self restraint before action. The quality of a person who is able to avenge himself, yet doesn't." Makrothumia is inspired by mercy.
I have a feeling that I will need both humophone and makrothumia in the years to come. I will need the determination and perseverance inspired by a divine hope. And I will need God's mercy to inspire my own forbearance.
I delight in knowing that God will revealed His plan to me some day because He has some major work to do in me. Just imagine the preparation that will be made upon my heart! God is so amazing. He will use this year and these months as a way to stimulate my growth in Him like never before. That alone is enough for me, whether I achieve the end I desire or not.
Sometimes what I want isn't what's best. I am thankful I have Him who knows what is best, and keeps me on His path.
"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." -Psalm 37:4

I'll be waiting on the Lord in Colorado this weekend. Weather forecast is 65 and sunny. Many stories and pictures to follow...