There Once Was A Woman

There once was a woman who lived in a shoe...no, no, no. That's not it....

A guy walks into a barn....no, no, no. Sorry....

An older woman innocently asks, "Are you looking for a job?"

"I'm waiting. Waiting for God to tell me what I should do. I would like to go into missions but God hasn't told me where yet." response a young woman newly graduated from college. She works part-time in a field in which she did not study. 

The older women means well. In her mind, this young woman has much to learn. She shakes her head ever so slightly as she continues the conversation in her head, One cannot just wait on God to whisper what a person should do for a living. This girl should be looking at various mission boards to find out what she should do next or find a full-time job in the field of her degree.

In fact, the older woman relates this story to her small group and many in the group laugh agreeing the young woman has much to learn about the workings of this world. This younger generation doesn't know the meaning of work.

Or does this young woman have much to teach the older generation?

James is a fascinating book of the Bible. So much to learn in five chapters. James Chapter 2 verse 17 says, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." click on the above link to read all of chapter 2 so we don't take this verse out of context. The verse before this talks of someone in need of clothing. Yes, our action in physically seeing to the needs of that person is our responsibility. We can give money, time, resources to organizations. We can see our neighbor in need and find a way to give. Is action all about "doing"?

What is action (works or deeds in some versions)? Sometimes I think we get so caught up in the worldview we forget to ask God for His guidance. We mindlessly do what is expected. Go to college right after graduating high school whether or not you know your major, find a job in the field you studied, make lots of money so you will be considered successful, travel and spend all your riches on material objects, and if you have time get married and maybe have children. Success. Or is it?

The girl from the story above is being an active member in society. She isn't sitting at home. She has a job in which she interacts with many. It is difficult finding a full-time job now. Employers have figured out the cost effectiveness of hiring part-time employees.

Is waiting on God an action? I believe it is. Just as I believe prayer is an action to accompany our faith. Many times we want to 'do'. Prayer and waiting are 'doing'.

Sometimes God tells us to wait. Even when every fiber of our being is screaming for something to happen--a clear sign--, God whispers, wait. That is obedience in a world screaming. Obedience to wait to see what God has in store.

Are His Ways always clear? No. There are times when several options are presented and either way one chooses will be in keeping with His Plan.

I personal applaud the young woman in her time of waiting and talking with God. We, mere humans, do not see the bigger pictures. God has her in the perfect place at the perfect time. Society may see her as a slacker since she isn't pursuing the big bucks and fame. God may see it as a time of learning and ministering to those she meets every day. Preparing her.

While we wait for God to say Go!, we are being used. That little girl who fell on the sidewalk as we are sweeping the sidewalk in front of a retail store. She needs our love and help. The man who looks so sad needs our smile. We are being used. That, my friend, IS faith in action.

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example 

for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

As Christians, let's carefully weigh our words. Even though the woman never spoke the words of doubt or her opinion out loud, a person can tell in one's reaction what that person is thinking. Let's encourage one another in love.

If you are in a time of waiting, be encouraged. While you are being active in the world, He is working His wondrous plan. You may not see it now. You may not see it later. But He is working. Keep your eyes and heart open.

Let the words I say profess my love. Father, let my heart be after you. In everything I do, for You. ~~ The Garden by NeedToBreathe