Thursday, February 6, 2014

Power in His Delay

God's Perfect Timing

I've been journaling and reflecting on life lately each night before going to bed. It's become a bit of a routine—and it is so calming & relaxing. I write down a few sentences about something good that happened in my day or something that I'm grateful for (I don't ever write the bad stuff—who wants to remember that?). It's simple, it's quick, and it's so amazing to look back over all the good that's been happening in my life lately.

The other day, I had been particularly frustrated while waiting and waiting for Tech School dates for the Air Guard. I felt as though I'd been waiting forever—though it's only actually been a couple months—and began writing to help release that frustration. What I wrote wasn't a complaint, or even negative for that matter. I essentially wrote a prayer. A prayer for peace & trust in God's perfect timing. Sure, I may have wanted to know those dates right that moment, but my wants were selfish and mistimed. I journaled about how thankful I was for all I've been given and how I knew that God will reveal those dates to me in His time.

And what do you know? Two days later I received those dates. It was as though I had finally put it out of my hands and given my trust to God when he took that burden right from me and answered that prayer. Now granted—they were not the exact dates I had hoped for—but see? God's working within me to trust that those are the right dates! I didn't even realize that my prayer had been answered—and so quickly, too!—until I was reading over my journal last night. What a beautiful thing it is.

While we may have that now now NOW mentality, sometimes all it takes is letting it and the worry and the concern and the control go for it to happen. I heard this incredible phrase a few months ago and wrote it down in all caps in the back of my Bible so I could always remember it. It said:
"There is power in My delay."
To me, that is so powerful. Realizing we are not in charge of what happens around us—we are only in charge of ourselves, our thoughts & our actions—is so freeing. Is it not? There is power in His delay. That's so beautiful & makes me ever so hopeful for all that lies ahead.

17 comments:

Shannon Tatlock said...

This reminds me of a Kirk Franklin song. Just love him.


You are right, it is freeing to know He is in control. Beautiful entry and what a positive routine to get in to, thinking about all the positive things at night before you go to bed. :)

Kate Harvey said...

This is just what I needed today. Thanks for this! There is power in His delay...I LOVE that.

Angelica said...

I love your post! Writing down just the good things and what you're grateful for is something I wouldn't have come up with. I probably would have written everything that has happen to me, good and bad, just to feel that relief. Putting everything in God's hands and trusting Him has been a battle for me for a couple of months now, so this post really inspired me, thank you! : )

Michelle Eisele said...

I love this! I am finding your blog so inspiring every time I read it :)

Brittany said...

This encouragement is just what I needed. Thanks for sharing! And congratulations on getting those school dates! :)

Annelise Rowe said...

Thanks Shannon!!! It really helps me look back on all the good that goes on in the day-to-day scheme of things. Plus, it sends me to bed with sweet dreams!! :)

Cody Doll said...

Yay for getting the dates. And yay when that you freed yourself of control and let God take over. Something I wrote about last month. I am still working on it this month but it's happening more and more. =]

Danielle said...

Oh my gosh! Did you dye your hair red or is just the lighting? Either way, I LOVE IT!

Danielle at Framed Frosting

Colleen said...

Beautiful. I am constantly reminded of this in my daily walk with Him! I love you sweet friend!

Sherry Proch said...

Beautiful and timely post! God bless :)

Katie said...

"While we may have that now now NOW mentality, sometimes all it takes is letting it and the worry and the concern and the control go for it to happen." Love this and needed to hear it! Thanks!

Annelise Rowe said...

No, totally just the light :) But as it gets more into summer, it will lighten up a lot. Can't wait to see what color it ends up being :)

Annelise Rowe said...

I would imagine so!! I read a bit today in Romans 8:25 about God's timing, too. It's so amazing how He uses His word to reach us! It said, "But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently." (NLT). So good, because we KNOW what is coming, and waiting for it patiently and with the utmost confidence is key! :)

Annelise Rowe said...

Thanks you so much, Sherry! The words that God has been putting on my heart lately are SO STRONG. I appreciate you thanking me for sharing them. It's all because of Him :)

Annelise Rowe said...

Thank you, Katie. I know that I am 100% in the now now now these days, and it's so good to have some patience and reflect on things while you wait. It makes it all that much worth it when it does happen!

Lauren Stone said...

When do you leave for BMT? I'm 13 May 2014! Oh & what's your job gonna be? I'm Airborne Cryptologic Linguist:) Love the bible reference! It's great to see other people sharing his word.

Annelise Rowe said...

Lauren, I'll be down there when you arrive!!! You'll have to look for me :) My job is going to be in Personnel :) Yours sounds amazing!

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