(This is the last new post until July 3. As most of you know, Steve is retiring from the pastorate, after serving forty years in Florida. Mid-June we move to the Midwest, to be close to our sons. And if our daughter and her family would just move east from Washington State, life would be near-perfect!
Packing and unpacking are time-consuming tasks, as you know, so I’ll put the blog on hold for a few weeks.
But please continue to visit! I’ll re-blog some previous posts, and hopefully you’ll find them meaningful again, or perhaps for the first time.)
TODAY’S POST
True or False:
God will do the right thing at the right time.
–Max Lucado
We believe that’s true, right? We can even find scripture to back up that statement:
“I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge uprightly” (Psalm 75:2).
Never in a million years would we say, “This statement is false. God can’t be trusted to do the right thing!”
But we do sometimes wonder why our ideas of the right thing don’t seem to match his idea.
And we do unabashedly wonder about his idea of right timing.
We also wonder why there’s not even a hint of progress toward that right thing we desire. We wonder why God is silent.
But God’s silence is not like that of people. He doesn’t give us the silent treatment in some petty game of payback. And it’s not a case of forgetfulness either.
More than likely God is working on other matters rather than that one we’re focused on– other matters such as perseverance, faith, and spiritual maturity. These character traits and others don’t grow so well if we’re always getting what we want when we want it.
We can rest assured there is purpose in the pause.
And just knowing that can ease our impatience.
Something else that’s important to know, too:
There’s really no such thing as silence with God, because we always have his Word, chock full of glorious promises and encouragement. And it’s always available. (I’m assuming you have an iPhone or computer–you’re reading this post; therefore you have access to a Bible–even if it’s online!)
One of my favorite promises is Isaiah 65:24.
(“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.”)
And one more, also from Isaiah:
“I will accomplish all my purpose” (46:10b).
God is not only working in our behalf now, he foresaw our need and began working toward its fulfillment before we uttered the first prayer. He started arranging events and bringing together people and resources so that at just the right time the right thing will happen.
Notice the “I will” in each of those verses above. Isaiah did not record God’s good intentions. These are promises of the Almighty God of the universe, our always-truthful, always trustworthy Heavenly Father.
WHY DO I WONDER?!
* * * * * * * * * *
I praise you, Heavenly Father, for being reliable and trustworthy. I can’t imagine life without you as my foundation. Thank you for every promise in your Word that gives me support. Once again, I avail myself to your plan, so you can do the right thing at the right time—without the interference of my impatience or doubt!
(Art and photo credits: www.kemingshen.com , http://www.brendaboen.blogspot.com.)
From the Inside Out 
I was guessing that retirement might be imminent, but didn’t know for sure. Congratulations to you both – I hope this next season is rich in every way. I am not sure I could make that weather transition from FL to the midwest – you are brave! (Why not go to WA where your daughter is? It’s definitely cooler that FL, but not as miserably cold. :>) Many, many blessings as you begin this new life. I think you’ll love it.
Thank you, Diana. Yes, WA would be more temperate but it’s SO far away from family and friends along the east coast. We’ll be living in a southernmost city of the Midwest, Cincinnati, so temps shouldn’t be frigid too often or too long (unlike Chicago, where I grew up)!
Thank you for your blessing. A new adventure with new opportunities awaits!
God Speed ~ We will wait for you.
Thank you so much for being willing to wait!
will miss your words and message while you move but think you made the right decision. What a wonderful new chapter in your life. I live in NW Ohio. Any chance you will be near? would love to meet up someday and now that the Midwest has reclaimed you, you are closer…
Oh, yes! That sounds like GREAT fun!
Thank you, Nancy!!! Blessings to you and Pastor Steve as you begin this new phase of your lives!! Hang in there with all that packing and unpacking…wish I was there to help! We are with you in spirit and in prayer. Xxoo
Ginny Kruisenga
Thank you, Ginny. Your msg made me smile. I, too, wish you were here to help pack–so we could VISIT while we wrap! I appreciate your blessing and your prayers, dear friend!
I won’t comment much about you moving out of Florida, except we will miss you both very much. What a blessing you and Steve have been to FUMCH.
God bless you both.
Pause with a purpose, what a great concept!
Thank you, Rita. FUMCH has been a blessing to us, too!
‘So glad you found “pause with a purpose” to be meaningful.
What a blessing to be able to move closer to your children! Maybe I can catch up on all the posts I’ve missed while you are moving 🙂
“God is working on other matters.” If only I can remember that the next time it seems as if He is not answering as I wish. Yes! We can always trust Him even in the darkest times.
Thank you, Tresa. Yes, one half of me is SO looking forward to spending lots of time with our sons, daughters-in-law, and grand baby. The other half wonders if my thin Florida blood will thicken up again(!), if I’ll adjust to big city living, if we’ll quickly find a church that feels like home, etc. Moving is always an adventure–retiring adds new possibilities and opportunities. (See Monday’s post–when you have time! 🙂 )
Oh, I do not like change! I can’t imagine moving away from our small town. I love that you are looking at it as an adventure! I will definitely read Monday’s post!
You will enjoy your time with your family , it is a blessing that you can be with them at this time of your life. I know you and Pastor Steve will be very active in your retirement, take it from one who knows. It is a blessing that you can make this transition. I am fortunate that my family is near me, except for my son in Georgia, and it gives me a sense of peace to know they are close, and I am sure you will feel the same. The selfish part of me doesn’t want you to leave, you and Pastor Steve have been a pure blessing to FUMC. I will always remember your Bible studies and what an inspiration they were, and I pray one day they will be published. Be safe in your travel, and God Bless you. Here is an E-Mail (((((HUG)))). Love you.
I love the phrase, “pure blessing!” FUMC has been just that for us, with so many warm, friendly, encouraging people–all in one place. It’s also heart-warming to know you found the Bible studies meaningful. And thank you for the email hug! I think that’s the first one I’ve ever received! You and I must continue to pass those back and forth! (((((HUG))))). Love you, too, Laura!
Reading through this post was a wonderful tie-in to your present circumstances. As you quoted Max Lucado: “God will do the right thing at the right time.” You are retiring/moving the exact time that God chose for you! You may have had the urge to retire sooner, or maybe thought waiting until later would be better…but God nudged you and you and Steve are being obedient to His Will! The extra bonus for me? You’re moving to Ohio and I’m looking forward to meeting up with you in Columbus later this summer. Maybe at Polaris? And another bonus for you and Steve? You will get to be a hands-on grandparents! Except for missing Heather and her family… But when she visits you in Cincinnati, she will be able to see both of her brothers and their families! I’ll keep you in my prayers that your transition is smooth and trouble-free and that everything falls into place. Welcome to retirement! I’m loving it…new challenges and all! Love, Cheri
Thank you SO much for your encouragement, Cheri! Everything you have said here is exactly right!
Polaris — here we come!!