God’s Plan

​I recently did a topical study of the times when God delayed women from conceiving children.  I found it thought-provoking and enlightening with far-reaching applications for all times of transition.  I will include two of the stories.

Sarah was the first example.  God waited to open her womb until, in the natural, it was impossible that she could bear a child.  That is when the Lord showed us, for all these many generations, that He is a God of the impossible.  Many times, my faith was boosted to believe for something, remembering this truth.  Here is a modern-day example of this that involves fertility, though there are innumerable others.  I have been a member of my church’s prayer team.  When the pastor called people forward for prayer, I prayed for them.  One Sunday, a woman came to me telling me that she had been to three specialists who had each told her that they were 99% certain that she would never conceive.  After the third one, her husband told her that she needed to go forward to get prayer at church.  I prayed for her, but I think it was the faith of her husband that God rewarded.  She eventually had three children, one to refute the report of each doctor.

Hannah deeply desired a child, and to make it worse, her husband’s other wife had several children and tormented Hannah about her infertility.  I began to see that the Lord had allowed this to bring about His plan.  Delays can mean that God is waiting for us to be able to understand His perfect will for us so that we can follow through, even if it is a hard task.  Imagine getting Hannah and her husband to agree to taking Samuel, a toddler, to the temple to be reared by Eli, the priest.  Scripture says Hannah only got to see Samuel once a year but look how her sacrifice impacted God’s plan for Israel.  Samuel was a priest because of his bloodline but was also used mightily by God as a judge and prophet.  God used Samuel in transitioning Israel from judges to kings.  I wonder how God would have to speak to me to agree to this plan.

I often look to scripture to show me new ways to pray.  This first application impacted the way I was praying for my friend’s daughter, who has not been able to conceive.  “Lord, speak to her and her husband’s hearts to know your thoughts about this situation.  What is Your perfect plan?”

I am in a time of transition.  I have some health issues, which could be life-threatening.  What is God’s plan? Will it be time to transition to my eternal home or to health?  I have a scripture I am standing on. “I will not die but live to tell the works of the Lord.” (Psalm 118:17) Now I am waiting to hear God’s answer.  Whatever way He wants me to go, I know that when He speaks it, I will have perfect peace.  Only the enemy would take peace away.

If you are in transition, I think Joyce Landorf, a Christian author, would call it God’s waiting room.   If it is a new, deeply emotional experience like a death or divorce, you may have to spend some time there to recover.  Ask God to be especially near and dear to you and to help you feel his love and care.   Share with Him how you are feeling.  

Here is a simple prayer to pray when you can identify a negative feeling and need deliverance.

Lord, please take away_______ and heal all my wounds.  Replace _______ with________.

For example, if you feel fear, say, "Lord, please take away fear and heal all my wounds."  Replace fear with trust in You.

More examples: anger, peace; shame, no condemnation; hate, love; etc.

As you recover, to learn more about your situation, ask the Lord to show you scripture to help you understand.  It’s a great time to use listening prayer to ask the Lord your questions directly.  

If you need more help with listening prayer, you can contact me for a Soul Healing session.  You will have prayer support as you ask questions and listen to His answers.

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