April 24th

I find that I expect God to answer my plea in an earthly manner most times. The power of the flesh is really strong most times. I have found some of the most mature Christians are those who rejoice always no matter the outcome. One in particular was a lady who ended up dying from cancer. She was a great witness for Jesus here on earth but now is free and rejoicing for God's answer of eternal healing.

I as a Christian need to remember this is not my home I am only passing through.

I think I ask to be rescued almost every day! Right now, it is from my 16 year old son -or at least his prodding, aggravating, '16 year old' behavior!
Funny, I was just thinking this morning of how when God answers 'in His own time,' I assume the initial 'non-answer' is a No! In my mind I know that is not true. But, in reality, living everyday, not 'being quizzed' about what I think, I find myself still searching...waiting...to be saved...for the answer...
Waiting is so hard. 'Did He answer?' 'Did I hear Him?' 'Should I do this?' 'Where should I turn now?'
Sometimes I have to step back and see that where I am IS the rescue attempt!

So often we do this, call out to God for help and then when he does give us the "out" or help with our particular situation it doesn't always come in the way we thought it should. That's when we need to slow down, breathe and seek his guidance. He's laid his plan out before us but to often we're afraid to take it. It's unfamiliar, our plans normally don't coincide with God's and his way is so much better. But if we are going to ask to be saved/rescued we need to be prepared for him to actually do it. He does promise this to us. Don't ask unless you expect to receive.

Tami-

That is an interesting question. It wasn't until the past few years that I asked myself that question. When I prayed that God would rescue me by keeping my husband alive, I also wondered how I would respond if that wasn't God's plan. Of course, it wasn't God's plan, but He did rescue me in His way, not mine. Then recently I made a bad business decision. Some of it was out of pure ignorance. It was a serious financial problem for me. I confessed my sin before God and asked Him to be merciful and gracious to me. There was a debt facing me that I couldn't begin to tackle. God was merciful and gracious to me and he rescued me. He certainly does take care of His widows and helps teach them along the way that not all people can be trusted, whether they be friends, family or both. Life happens and He is teaching me wisdom in the midst of my ignorance. What a wonderful God He is!

I am experiencing, that for the true child of God, He will rescue us when we call upon His name. His rescue doesn't always line up with what we expect. If I allow Him to be God in my life, His rescue will always be at the perfect time and perfect way for me and my growth in Him. I may not always hear His counsel when I ask for it, but if I am truly seeking His will, even if I miss it, when I am honest before Him and admit my folly and sin, He always forgives me and helps me through the mess I've created. Once burned shame on the perpetrator, but twice burned, shame on me. I must learn from those mistakes and not repeat them. God isn't there to clean up my messes, but rather, as a loving Father He will help me learn from them so I may become wise and learn from His counsel.

David's enemies chased him for several years. God didn't pluck them off like we do ticks from our dogs, David had to do his part and do it while obeying God and honoring Him. David couldn't take it upon himself to kill his enemies at his whim. 1 Sam 24:2-8 1Sa 24:6 He said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD's anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD's anointed."

I am under God's sovereign rule. My enemies are sanctioned by God as tools to test me, hone the skills and gifts God has given me, strengthen me in my faith, and whatever purpose God has for them in my life. Rom 8:31 truly, if God is for us, then who could possibly are against us? Maybe that is why we are instructed to Praise God in (all) things and give Him thanks. [1 The 5:16-18] If I truly believe in God's sovereignty and His providence, then by faith, I must know that nothing comes into my life by accident and God will use all of it for my good and cause that which appears to be evil to change into good. Rom 8:28, Rom 8:26-30 I am such a whiner, shame on me! Even though, with each set of circumstances I can see growth and change for the better in me. In that, I can take confidence that I am growing in Christ and I have the mind of Christ. [1Pe 4:1 SO, SINCE Christ suffered in the flesh for us, for you, arm yourselves with the same thought and purpose [patiently to suffer rather than fail to please God]. For whoever has suffered in the flesh [having the mind of Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [has stopped pleasing himself and the world, and pleases God],] 1 Cur 2:16 (Amp version) The enemies, trials and tests in my life is what helps me know I am in Christ Jesus; they are good things and God is worthy of praise for allowing them into my life. Don't get me wrong, I certainly don't feel like praising while going through them and if I could learn and grow by any other means, that would be my preference. Since this is God's proven way, I will submit myself to Him and subject myself to the circumstance that I may become all He desires me to be, for it cannot be done any other way. How wise God is and how far away I am from attaining the goal of His great pleasure for me. I am confident in His strength and power, therefore I shall succeed in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!!!!!

I often need to be rescued too. I think we all do. The hardest thing for me is waiting. I don't do that very well. I like it when God answers me quickly. I read some where that waiting is a whole ministry by itself. In my situation right now, I'm trying to remind myself to "enjoy the journey" because God is with you every step of the way. This helps me. I can relax and let God take charge. Just "enjoy the journey."

I need Help, yes I sure do. Each day that I don’t ask for help it seems like sometime during that day something effects me, and I am more easily allowing my feelings to be moved by my fleshly Part of me and not my spirit part of me. Then I react or at least have the thoughts of reacting inappropriately. I really need to get to point where I ask for help daily and not wait until the situation gets out of hand.So many times in my past I have literally cried out for help. It aways came, But it seemed like it took a long time.
I have mentioned Vicki Yohe before and this song of hers Called "Help" It has really encouraged me.

Sometimes it seems that Life just isn’t fair.
Oh no, no, no
Sometimes it’s like you’re Just too tired to care.
Oh my, my,
Sometimes you Want to hang your head And cry.
But you are not Alone, God is right by your Side.
But ya gotta hang on.
Chorus
Help ! Help! Help is on the way
Help ! Help! Help is on the way
Help ! Help! Help is on the way

What about when this old world brings you down
He will be there for you
Your life is out of control spinning round and round
Like a merry go, go round
He hears your Prayer, He hears your cry
But,Your not alone, God is right by your side
But ya gotta hang on.
Chorus

Help ! Help! Help is on the way
Help ! Help! Help is on the way
Help ! Help! Help is on the way

For the Lord is your shelter In the night.
He will protect You by day, keep you from harm
He’ll watch over your life.

Chorus
Help ! Help! Help is on the way
Help ! Help! Help is on the waay
Help ! Help! Help is on the way
Help ! Help! Help is on the waay
Help ! Help! Help is on the way
Help ! Help! Help is on the waay
Help! Help! Help is on the way
Help! Help! Help is on the way

Con't
I have quit trying to figure out how the Lord will help me. It has never came the way I have expected it to. My Logic does not line up with His. He sees the big picture which is too vast for my small way of thinking.I still give him praise and know his ways are not my ways. He loves me more, and my children more, and He has it all under control. Thank you Jesus, Thank you Father. and Thank you Holy Spirit. I know that I couldn't make it without you. Because of you I am free.

I was in a relationship for 18 years, we broke up off and on. I had never had a relationship with God until this man. He wasn't holier then thou just believed in God and read his bible. We have 3 children together, well he went away for 5 1/2 years I waited the whole time came home and cheated. Boy was I devasted, what saved me was God, over the 5 years he was in prison I begin praying and reading my bible every morning. I every so often have a dream and after a while it plays out. Well 2 years ago I had 4 different dreams that he came home and I couldn't find him. Well that actually happened and is still happening. Honestly I am heart broken but happy at the same time because God gave it to me, and left it up to me to decide what I would do. Its only been since 10/08 and sometimes I cry to God like there is no tomorrow and then I will get an e,ail verse or daily devotional or open my bible and whatever page I get there's a wonderful passage. God does work at his speed and you have to pay attention to when its your time. Heart broken and all I am happy. I have learned how to give it to God its hard but I think I got it.

I know most of the time when I am going through a terrible trial that I call out for God to rescue me. Most of the time it isn't how I was expecting God to answer either. But I keep in mind that God is all-knowing & He knows exactly what I am going through...He also knows what is for my ultimate best & will answer me with that.

Please somebody answer....

When you say leave everything to God,do not interfere, I don't really get that. At the moment in this difficult times, I am seriously searching for a job. So do I just sit and wait for a job to land on me? or do I search for jobs and leave to God for me to be called for an interview?I am new in coming close to God and am trying to build a relationship with God,it isn't easy as sometimes I have so many questions to ask. However, this site has been very helpful and thank you all for sharing......

Again, I have been lonely for 3 years now, I haven't dated anyone. I want to get married and have my own children. I do not have a good job where I can meet people,I do not have spare funds to go out and meet people. Things are not so easy for me but thank God I have food,shelter and clothing. So how do I meet my life partner,should I just wait....?

My question is?Should I wait for a job, should I wait for a life partner without doing anything?I don't get it?Please help me with answers.

Thank you

Dear Anonymous,

I'd like to share a few thoughts on your blog.

Someone said, "God doesn't steer a parked car." In other words, we have a responsibility to do our part and let God do His part. By "leaving everything to God," we don't mean that a person doesn't take the normal steps necessary to achieve a goal (such as finding a job). But behind our efforts, we have the confidence that God is also at work. It is part of our responsibility to stay sensitive to God's will and modify our plans to fit His (rather than asking Him to modify His plans to fit ours). A good example is the apostle Paul. Paul and Timothy planned a missionary journey. But God also had plans. Acts 16:6-7 says, "And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them." While they had intended to go to these areas, God said "no" (we aren't told why) so Paul and Timothy obeyed.

So pray as you move forward. Ask God to show you His will as you do your part in living your life. If He closes a door, accept the fact that there is a reason (you may not know why at the time) and keep on walking in faith.

This is also true of a marriage partner. There is nothing wrong in being involved with a Christian singles group, for example (this usually doesn't cost anything). After all, God made us social creatures. We need friends. And if that friendship develops into more, then that's fine too. But we have to always stay sensitive to God's will. It is not God's will that all Christians marry. But if it is His will for you, He will bring someone along.

But keep in mind, life doesn't have to be lonely even without a spouse. God has provided the church family plus others to be our social network. And, by the way, even married people get lonely. Loneliness is the wrong reason to get married.

I would encourage you to read the biographies of famous Christian women who were single like Amy Carmichael (A Chance to Die: the Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael) and Corrie Ten Boom (Tramp for the Lord). If singleness is God's will for you, then accept it and let Him use you as a single person.

Allen, Biblical Correspondent at Back to the Bible