Saturday, August 1, 2009
Just in Time
I waited for the telephone to ring. Wanted desperately to get that call. To hear the voice on the other line say, "We've considered all of the other candidates, and we've come to the conclusion that you're the best qualified."
Well, I waited expectantly for two weeks after the job interview. The telephone did ring of course.
But I didn't receive the one call that I desired most.
So I lost hope.
Disappointment grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go. And discouragement. And despair.
You see, after fifteen years of teaching, I was ready to get out of the classroom. Just burnt out. Nothing left to offer my students.
Two years prior to this interview, I had begun to apply for other education-related positions within my school system. Nothing materialized.
Psalm 25: 15 became my daily prayer:
My eyes are ever upon the Lord,
for only He will release my feet from the snare.
My job was the snare. I saw no way out. Unless God helped me and released me. I knew that He could. That He possessed the power and the resources.
But would He?
Apparently, not.
The call didn't come.
So, I got gut-level honest with God.
I told Him, "Lord, You've been so good to me. You've blessed me with an incredible husband. A great family. Good health. Friends. I can't even count all of the ways that You've blessed me. But You're just not getting it. About my job. I really, really need You to get it."
God did get it. But I didn't think that He did.
He knew what I needed. And when.
Because you know God has this thing about time. He likes to wait for just the right time. Sometimes, He seems to wait so long that when He does something for us we say to ourselves, "Well, it's about time!"
Anyway, I gave up on getting out. Stopped pouting. And pitying.
And began to prepare for the upcoming school year. Back in the classroom.
Asked Him to help me make it through one more year.
Still in the snare, though.
Maybe you've felt that way. Trapped. No way to change the circumstances. No way to get through. Around. Or out.
No hope.
Maybe it looks like God doesn't care about you. And what you're going through now.
God does see us. He knows that we're struggling. And hurting. And waiting. For Him to change something. Us. Or our circumstances.
I don't know when or how God plans to help you. I can't predict His timing. But I do know that when we keep our eyes on Him, God will do what only He can.
He will give us strength and stamina to stay in the snare for a while longer. Or He will release us from the snare.
He always acts on our behalf.
Just in time.
Sweet dreams,
Deb
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This same 'theme' echoed in Beth's choice of verse today (quote below) and ministered to me as well...
ReplyDelete"...“I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills His purpose for me.” Psalm 57:2 NIV
Here’s what God is using that verse to say to me right now: When I’m in a really hard and hurtful situation, somehow the present difficulty of it overrides my conscious thought that God is going to use it in my life and then through my life. Not one time in my entire tenure on this planet has He ever failed to turn around and use the hardship for good. NOT ONCE. Not when I gave Him enough time and cooperation. Yet, in the midst of it, I often can only hang onto Him for dear life while we ride the wave to shore and then stand there in the aftershock and look like I’ve just been on the spin cycle of a washing machine. Afterward, when He invariably turns it into some kind of maturity, intimacy, insight or ministry, I think, “Why didn’t I just trust Him for that at the time??? Why did I have to take it so personally and injuriously?” I want to learn to CONSISTENTLY claim the victory right there in the worst of the pain or crisis. At the very moment that I’m crying out to God Most High for help, as the psalmist says, I want to proclaim that He’s smack in the middle of fulfilling His purpose for me. Challenging stuff..."
I'm reading blogs from my phone b/c we don't have Internet access yet, so I haven't been able to interact lately, but I had to thumb type a hearty "amen" to this one. What you just posted has been my heart's cry even this wk. I'm glad for your insight. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSita,
ReplyDeleteFriend via the internet. Yet, no less a friend because of the venue. Sister in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
Have you considered posting thoughts like these on your blog?
There's a world of people who are going through the "spin cycle of a washing machine."
They could so benefit from your experiences and your insights.
I know that I have been encouraged.
And blessed.
Love you!
Whimzie,
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed that you've had time to blog. Your life is in a little bit of upheaval right now.
So that makes your comment even more special.
I'm praying for your dad. And you.
Deb,
ReplyDeleteThose thoughts are a quote from Beth Moore..not me!...sorry I was not clear...
I heard a Pastor once say, "God is preparing you for what He has prepared for you". These words are brining me comfort in the time of waiting I know He has a plan.., and I choose to put my faith and trust in Him.
ReplyDeleteBlessings ~ Lisa
I've been caught there a couple of times in my life; interestlingly enough, one of them came while I was teaching an over-crowded room of 6th graders. That was one of the worst experiences of my life. The next year, I moved to 3rd grade ... a much better experience.
ReplyDeleteSeveral years ago, I threw in the teaching towel. It was a hard reckoning, but one I've never regretted. I'd be interested in knowing how your situation turned out.
On another front, I've known tons of disappointment as it pertains to my writing. My focus has shifted; God has been faithful to reshape my thoughts along these lines. I feel as if I'm currently standing at a crossroads right now; not sure how to proceed. So until things are clearer, I'll keep pressing into God and moving forward in the direction I'm headed; his roadblocks will come as needed.
Have a great rest of your weekend.
peace~elaine
Another meaningful post!
ReplyDeleteI've been going through similiar feelings toward my job. I know it's time or close to it BUT in the waiting on Him for that moment to be released, sometimes I wonder if He cares or if I'm clueless.
Just today I decided that while I'm still in this job 'snare'...I'll go get a new haircut & color. Great for an attitude adjustment!
My favorite quote from Wisnton Churchill..
To every man there comes in his lifetime that special moment when he is tapped on the shoulder & offered a chance to do a special thing - unique to him & his talents. What a tragedy should that moment find him unprepared for the task that could be his finest hour.
Preparing for our finest hour together,
Margie
I have come here via SITS and let me just say WOW. I am feeling so very stuck, depressed, disheartened right now. I am barely struggling through everyday and I find myself BEGGING God to get me out of this town so I can be near my mum who is my best friend and the support I need. Yesterday, I wondered how I could go on and why He's not answering my pleas.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this.
"Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest"
That can be a hard place to be, but you show your strength and maturity in your acceptance.
ReplyDeleteHang in there, and keep being the best you for Him that you can be. He's right there with you.
Happy SITS-S-S
I waited and prayed for 5 years concerning a situation I was in and one I desperately wanted God to release me from. He finally did...in His time...and as I look back I see His hand all over the process and the waiting.
ReplyDeleteI'm reminded of Habakkuk 2:3, "This vision is for a future time...If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed."
His timing is never late.
Blessings,
Joy
"Be still, and know that I am God."
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting that we ask God for His guidance, but persist in our belief that what we want is what is best for us?
In His good timing.
Blessings.
thanks for visiting my blog. this post was lovely ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Deb! Hope you have an excellent time in the classroom this year. Would love to chat more, SITSta! :)
ReplyDeleteWhen you have an obedient heart, waiting for the breakthrough is more bearable.
ReplyDeleteI loved this post, Deb. I could really relate to it. Oh, how amazing that our lives seem to run parallel to each other.
If you have time, read my 2 Breakthrough posts found here
http://mla-crownofglory.blogspot.com/2008/08/lord-of-breakthrough.html
This is the story of how I knew He was leading me out of the school that I was directress of, but another school year came, and I still wasn't out. So I prepared for another year, and halfway through the first quarter, He opened a way out. There were "miraculous events." Simply amazing. I couldn't have invented a better scenario to get me out of the school that I loved so much.
Blessings on your day, as mine is ending over here.
Thanks for your kind comments...always an encouragement to my heart.
Love
Lidj
Thank you for your comments. I love that you take the time to share your thoughts with me. I appreciate you so much.
ReplyDeleteSeveral of you have expressed an interest in knowing how that situation turned out for me.
I did get that coveted telephone call during the summer of 2006! I still work for the school system; however, I am no longer a classroom teacher!
Our loving God still performs miracles!
He's so good at that.
Thanks so much for asking.
Sweet dreams, y'all!
I hope your lemonade turned out wonderful!! I tried many a recipe before I landed there...
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Sasha
Deb:
ReplyDeleteYour words....they are so powerful!
Thank you for always writing things that speak to me...I love your blog.
~Blessings
Powerful and much need words today! I am glad that I found your site and I plan to follow so I can visit often.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb,
ReplyDeleteFantastic post! I've learned that God's time (and plans) and mine don't usually mix well. SO, it's surrender again and again, and continue to TRUST Him.
THANK YOU for adding Josh to your prayers. I'm so, so grateful!
Deb,
ReplyDeleteWow another great post.
I know you remember when I was job hunting interviewed for two different ones wanted one so bad but was offered the other and realized that God put me where He knew I needed to be. I am so thankful He is there guiding us in the right path. We just need to be patient and follow His will.
Thanks so much for the wonderful words that you always write.
I feel the five thousand is closer than you may think.
I loove you,
Joyce
So very well put....
ReplyDeleteI am sorry your call never came.....but I believe as you.....it is for a reason our hopes aren't always answered right away. Something better awaits you.....all you have to do is believe (and be patient).
Hope your day has been beautiful
I get stuck in that place -- more often than I'd like to admit. Good thing God is in control, though. Sometimes His "snare" has kept me in place just long enough for things to "work for good."
ReplyDelete"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." Romans 8:28
Great Post, Deb. I know the beautiful way that this story turned out and I am so grateful that God blessed you with such insight through it! I'm still hanging on for the revelation of that change in my life, and yet hope doesn't die, just a few dreams here and there have to change. The molding process is difficult, but ultimately I do trust that He is still in control and knows what is best for all of us. Miss ya, Friend.
ReplyDeleteHi, Deb, so nice to meet you, thanks for stopping by! AND I love your post today, what a wonderful thing to hang onto. I know just what you mean, God's ways and timing is always best. I hope you'll come back & see me often!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post! I started (but have yet to finish and post) a blog post similar to this a couple of weeks ago. Specifically about Isaiah 41:
ReplyDeleteIsaiah 41:
17 "The poor and needy search for water,
but there is none;
their tongues are parched with thirst.
But I the LORD will answer them;
I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
18 I will make rivers flow on barren heights,
and springs within the valleys.
I will turn the desert into pools of water,
and the parched ground into springs.
19 I will put in the desert
the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive.
I will set pines in the wasteland,
the fir and the cypress together,
20 so that people may see and know,
may consider and understand,
that the hand of the LORD has done this,
that the Holy One of Israel has created it.
God showed me through reading those verses that His answer is often much more miraculous than simply delivering us from a situation from which we think we need delivering. Instead, He'd rather us learn to persevere and trust, and then He miraculously transforms that situation as only He can! And then He leaves no doubt that He and He alone did it, not us.
At any rate, I know exactly how you feel, and I do hope that God miraculously transforms this school year into a huge blessing for you and your students!
To be honest, I somewhat feel that my heart's burden is meant to be that - a burden...forever. Hopeless, sorta. This post was just the right encouragement for me - to prayer afrest...and expecting God to answer in His time and according to His perfect plan. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi, Deb!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog. I had to come check yours out, too. : )
You definitely have a gift for God-inspired writing in your blog. What a powerful ministry that is! I read through several of your posts, and they were all great!
You asked who designed my blog...well, I actually found the template on this site: http://template-mama-freebloggertemplates.blogspot.com/ I had tried a lot of different free templates, but I like this one better than any other I've tried.
God bless you!
I enjoy your blog. God always gives you what you need when you need it. HE only wants your obedience and to be glorified. So easy and so hard sometimes.
ReplyDelete