Meanwhile

I snapped this image on my way to a women’s conference that I had the privilege of teaching at this past Saturday morning.

I remember looking up at the sky and capturing several images of the beautiful sunrise.  And after each click I thanked God for the glorious and peaceful mural that served as my travel escort nearly half of my drive in.

And as I was driving I was considering His grace and His mercy and His love.
And in a moment I was overcome.

Because sometimes we have a tendency to believe that lie from the enemy that tells us that our story is over.  That our time has passed.  That our efforts are futile.  We tend to not only believe the lie, but worse yet, rehearse the effects that the lie produces… shame, regret, disappointment, distrust.

And I have felt it too.
And I have said it too.

I have believed the lie that I am not good enough, that my story doesn’t matter, that I have made one too many mistakes, that I have been used up already for all I am good for, that I have nothing to offer.

You know the statements too well, I’m sure.

But in the moment of unworthiness He whispers to my soul once again.
And I am simply undone.

Because what is it that I repeat to my classes regularly?  What is it that I teach from a heart that has remembered the lies and from lips that have even replayed their damage?
“Look for the repeated words in scripture.  They are there for a reason.  Make note of the special words that stick out.  Read until you hear His voice.”

And I recall to memory 1 Samuel 2:21… “Meanwhile, Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.”  1 Samuel 2:26… “Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew taller and grew in favor with the Lord and with the people.”  1 Samuel 3:1… “Meanwhile, the boy Samuel served the Lord by assisting Eli.”

Meanwhile = at the same time.

Samuel had been called.  Chosen.  But in these passages he was only a boy.
His anointing was in seed form only.

Ahh… but meanwhile God was working behind the scenes to prepare Him for what was ahead for him.

And the same goes for you.  And me!

We all have a “meanwhile” in our lives.

And in the waiting we may we feel as though God has forgotten us.
But can I just encourage you today… He's NOT forgotten about you.
While you wait - He is working.
While you learn - He is preparing.
While you rest - He is providing.
While you serve - He is establishing.

Meanwhile… God is still working!
He has not forgotten to be kind and gracious.  (Ps 77:9)

He is crazy, madly in love with you.
And He is stronger, more able, AND more willing to rescue than you give Him credit for.

Let’s praise Him for the meanwhile.

He’s in the business of making ALL things new!!!  (Is 43:19)