When You’re the Most Weary of Waiting for a Breakthrough Miracle
We met for prayer as a “family” at 11:50 AM on Tuesday. We stood behind the reception desk at work and faced each other in a tight knit circle. I had grabbed a notepad and was writing down each request — because I have a terrible memory, and sometimes they ask me to pray.
But today, the young bearded guy from Admissions was going to lead us to the throne. Right before we bowed our heads and closed our eyes, he looked over at me and asked, “How about you, Lyli? You have any prayer requests?”
I looked at him — standing there sporting a spiffy shirt and tie. He had his toothbrush and a tube of paste tucked into this back pocket — because he was leaving for a dentist appointment in an hour and wanted to make sure he remembered to brush.
He’s so young, I thought. (I always think that when he is in the room).
Listen kid, I have more prayer requests than you have time. The dentist is waiting. (This is what I wanted to say.)
I also wanted to say, listen kid, I’ve been on my knees for a few things since before you were born. Because that’s how long I’ve waited for my miracle.
I’ve prayed long and persevered longer than Angel in Admissions has lived.
Every morning for over 3 decades, I’ve asked God for one thing. I’ve cried. I’ve yelled. I’ve groaned. And some days I’ve doubted.
Because when you’re waiting for a mountain to move, and all you see is its looming dark shadow grow larger, it’s easy to get discouraged.
I am guessing I am not alone in the waiting room of life. Maybe like me, you are hoping and praying for God to do the impossible in your problematic situation. Perhaps you have a pesky relative who breaks your heart and needs redemption? I am imagining you’ve dreamed for a change, an open door, a fresh wind of the Spirit to blow through and breathe life into the brokenness.
Sister, I want to remind you — You are not alone in the waiting.
How to Wait Well for Your Breakthrough Miracle
Remember God’s Character
Although your situation has not changed, neither has your God. He is faithful and true. He always keeps His promises.
“All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.” (Psalm 25:10, ESV)
Rest in God’s Strength
You can lift that weight crushing your heart right up to God. Let Him carry the load. You are not meant to solve this problem, just pray about it.
“Cast your burden on the Lord releasing the weight of it and He will sustain you; He will never allow the consistently righteous to be moved — made to slip, fall, or fail.” (Psalm 55:22, AMPC)
Reflect on God’s Track Record
I am guessing God has shown up strong for you in the past more than once. Make a list of every time He has and keep it handy to remind you He is your present help. Meditate on the cross on days when it’s hard. Remind yourself He is the Resurrection and the Life.
“But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me.” (Psalm 13:5-6, NIV)
Release your Rights
At the end of the day, you don’t get to tell God how to run the world. He isn’t required to answer your requests on your timetable or with your fabulous master plan for making things better. (I am preaching to myself here.) Lay your request on the altar and choose to worship God come what may.
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” (Psalm 37:5-6, NIV)
Reach Toward Community
When you are in the waiting room, phone a friend. (This is not just a good strategy for game shows.). Reach out to others and ask them to pray for your mountain to move. Confess you need a little encouragement and be willing to receive it. (You don’t have to pretend to be Mother Teresa. You can say, “I am struggling with doubt. Pray for me.”)
“One generation will declare Your works to the next and will proclaim Your mighty acts. I will speak of Your splendor and glorious majesty and Your wonderful works. They will proclaim the power of Your awe-inspiring acts, and I will declare Your greatness. They will give a testimony of Your great goodness and will joyfully sing of Your righteousness.” (Psalm 145:5-7, HCSB)
Rejoice in What’s to Come
God is writing a spectacular story with your life. You may be in the thick of the conflict right now, but your happy ending is coming. Keep heaven in view and watch for His handiwork in your ordinary day. He will show up in small ways to remind you He is still at work.
“The Lord is with me; He is my Helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.” (Psalm 118:7, NIV)
This year, I want to stop worrying about the “what ifs” and walk forward consistently praying:
Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.
Want to join me? To help you get started, I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.
As we #PrayBig and wait for the Lord, He is at work. He is weaving together a beautiful tapestry with every thread of your life. Right now, you may not see the connections, and your life may appear to be in tatters, but He sees the masterpiece you cannot.
One day, your mountain is going to move. And the view is going to be spectacular. He is still a God of miracles. Yours is coming.
On Tuesday afternoon, after our family prayer meeting at work, I logged on to Facebook to check in with my girls. I lead an online Bible study, and right now we are studying James. One sweet sister expressed her discouragement regarding an ongoing trial in her family. James 1:6 hit her hard:
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
Although this is an online Bible study, I knew the woman and the intimate details of her life well. We’ve prayed together for her mountain on many an occasion. She’s a young mom, and I pictured her typing away at her computer with two toddlers climbing all over her.
My friend shared her emotions — raw and unfiltered, and the response of the other women in the group made me get a little weepy. Two wise women responded to share a wealth of their experience. Both are grandmas — who’ve “been there, done that,” but they didn’t share pat answers. They pressed in and encouraged her to persevere.
Listen, we aren’t meant to fight this battle on our own. If you need encouragement, I want to invite you to join our Pray Big Facebook group.
Keep praying, sisters. When you can’t speak, just groan. You can keep it simple.
Oh and by the way, on Tuesday morning before I left for work, I read these words during my quiet time: Ask and it will be given to you, seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (God knew I’d need the reminder.)
Every prayer is a sentence added to your miracle story.
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His track record is amazing! Thanks for hosting!
I had the same question today as this blog post. Today was an interesting day – I could have been bummed but then I remember. It’s not easy but it’s liberating.
Wow, Lyli, there is so much in this post. To begin, I will pray for your mountain to move and in the meantime your strength renewed and your perspective His. I think we all probably have some mountains that #1 we’ve prayed so long we give up on. Thanks for the reminder that God is still about His business. A couple weeks ago I decided to write a blip every day on my phone about those times where I “see” God. As a boost for my faith on days when I wonder if… well, you know.
Plain and simple, we don’t see God’s perspective and have such limited understanding. It’s just so hard to walk it out when you’re waiting on a biggie. Thanks for the encouraging reminders! Hugs and Love!!
Love that, Char. Keeping track in writing is very eye opening. 🙂
Sometimes I just say, “God is working. He is writing my story, and I can’t wait to see the outcome”.
I’ve found that to trust and obey is still the only way to be happy in Jesus. Thanks for this reminder, Lyli. Blessings to you.
Lyli, this post is truly beautiful. I so appreciate your honesty and openness. I too find it easy to think that others who are younger, smarter, prettier, thinner, or wealthier couldn’t possibly understand me, even in the church. I need to let go of my judgment and be more welcoming. Your post has served as a timely reminder. Thank you, and I’m glad you faithfully host this linkup, friend.
Lyli, wonderfully encouraging post. It is hard to press on, waiting for God to respond. This morning I was reminded of this – God works intentionally and with intent in our lives. He holds our days in His hands, orchestrating every detail. He alone is perfect in wisdom, has perfect plans, perfect timing, and is perfect in power. We so need to remind ourselves of this and wait on Him to move our mountains. Praying for you to be infused with fresh hope to keep on praying and asking and for God to move in your situation. xo
Thanks for praying, friend. You are such a blessing!
Powerful post, Lyli!! It’s so important to keep our mind on things above rather than our sight on the situation. I especially love the suggestion to “Release Our Rights.” Surrendering our “Isaac” is one of the hardest battles we face. But many times, it’s that very act that brings about the miracle of different and better way. Blessing, friend, and thanks for the amazing encouragement!
Yes, I read a great book years ago by Carol Kent on that very subject — called Laying Down my Isaac. A great read that really challenged my thinking!
Beautiful, hope-filled words, Lyli. Thank you for coming back here each week with more reminders that our God is in control and He knows what’s best.
I’ve been reading through the OT the last several months, and there are so many instances of God’s people waiting years – in some cases, hundreds of years – for God’s promise to be fulfilled. The end of Hebrews 11 says that so many of those listed in the “Hall of Faith” didn’t receive what they were waiting for in their lifetime, “God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” Whatever God is up to, He has purposes far grander in mind than we can conceive. Thanks for the reminders to be faithful in waiting on His timing.
Yes, I almost added a list to this post of those very examples.
What do I say about a post and a sister in Christ who I’ve come to know and love her and her heart? This is awesome and so are you! I enjoy how you write from a place of vulnerability. And your humor is pretty “rad” too. 🙂 I needed to reflect on all your tips. God DOES have a great track record and I’m reminding myself of that. I’m a work-in-progress when it comes to letting go of control. One thing I say is this, God is CEO, am I in His seat? 😉 Hugs!
This is such a heavy subject for so many, Karen. Tried to insert a little humor. I have to laugh at myself sometimes — because if not I’d have a good cry about my mountain (again).
In one of my hardest seasons of waiting, God revealed some life-changing truth to me, so as I look back I’m thankful for how He worked in my waiting. And praise God that in waiting He’s active. Your post encouraged me greatly this morning, and I’m going to share it with some friends who are in the midst of their own waiting. Love you, friend. xo
Yay! So glad this encouraged you! I know you are praying for a family member like me, and i am praying with you. Saved your e-mail in my inbox to remind me. HUGS
Reflect on God’s track record! Yes! It’s important to do this during times of waiting. He is always faithful.
Great post, Lyli!
The steps you laid are so reminiscent of what we see in the Psalms. Love it!
I love the Psalms. I think most of the scriptures here are from there.
Good reminders that we need to keep praying, no matter how long it’s been. “EVERY PRAYER IS A SENTENCE ADDED TO YOUR MIRACLE STORY.” Yes and amen. Thanks, Lyli!
I wonder if the miracle is bigger the longer we wait? PS I’m adding five dollar bills and change to a crystal vase on top of the china cabinet – saving the the “salvation party” for a deeply – loved young man. By faith, we pray and we save up.
That’s awesome, Sue. Praying for your young man today. HUGS
Wonderful and encouraging post. I too have a big mountain I need God to move…almost 15 years now! I’m still waiting even in the moments when my faith waiver. I thank you for sharing. Blessings
Praying with you today, Lureta. HUGS
A breakthrough is on the way, if only we would patiently wait for the Lord’s timing. We want our prayers answered NOW, but God says “Do not fret”
Thank you for this amazing post.
Thank you also for highlighting me as the writer of the week for last week’s post.
Diana
Thanks for sharing your words with us each week, Diana! xo
I love your thoughts on waiting. I am sharing! What I find it is so important in the waiting is to journal and examine Past, Present, Future. Many times I realize I didn’t get my BIG Miracle but I sure got a lot of little ones that add up to quite a BIG one.
Yes, I think we miss out on many splashes of glory because we aren’t keeping watch. I started keeping a journal in college, and I am thankful for what looking back has helped me remember.
This post is a God send at just the right time for me. Thank You!
Yay! Praying for you now. xo