That Was Helpful:

“All his life he has taken the timing of the blessing into his own hands.”

Personal Reflections:

Refreshing, rainy morning. Thankful for our evening with some neighbors last night. There’s more to do today than there is time; I need to drink in the promises of God, otherwise I’ll get swallowed up by an unbelieving and anxious heart.

On Read/Think/Pray questions and Isaiah 43:1-18

Meditating on…

• “FEAR NOT, for I have redeemed YOU” (v. 1) – God commands me not to fear. I want to obey.
• “I have called you BY NAME; you are MINE.” (v. 1) – I belong to my Savior.  To whom do I functionally belong? 
• “I am…the HOLY ONE of Israel.” (v. 3) – Holy, holy, holy. What does bowed-knee awe and reverence before God look like today?  
• “You are precious and HONORED in MY sight, and I love YOU.” (v. 4) – In His sight: Whose view/opinion/eyes matter most?

“All his life he has taken the TIMING of the blessing into his own hands.” Like Jacob, Lord, I don’t know how to wait patiently on you. I say I trust you’ll provide but don’t trust in the timing of that provision…which shows I don’t really trust you’ll provide. I think it’s why I try to control things with hefty planning. I’m fearful I’ll “miss out on an opportunity.” Or I rationalize my impatience as acting “just in case,” saying, “if I don’t just go ahead and take care of this, then….” It’s a matter of trust, isn’t it? Trusting your character. Trusting your wisdom, your power. Jesus, teach me to WAIT. So many areas: growing in marriage, personal finances, learning to be a dad, personal “career development,” ministry needs (new Sunday facility, new elders, new assistant pastor, new ministry initiatives).

Speaking of… [Ques 3] Lord, we very much desire a new Sunday worship facility for our church, one that can accomodate more people, one that’s  in Columbia Heights, if possible; one that’s cost-effective, rooted in the local community (a school?), gives us room to spread out a little more (more rooms, childcare space, etc). So far, you have given me unusual grace to trust you on this one — thank you. But these days, I can feel impatience creeping into my heart. A quiet spirit of complaining or demanding. Help me to wait for your perfect timing. Help me to lead our church this exercise of faith and humility.

Yes, afflictions DO force me to lean on you: present season of intensity (new church, new baby); complicated struggles in/with family; a depressive temperament.  I can say with faith (and not glibly): “In faithfulness you have afflicted me” (Psalm 119:75). You have  loved me enough to put me through trials, Father: melting (sometimes breaking) my ugly pride; showing me the limits of my strength; teaching me to pray; revealing your tenderness to the weak; pointing out, and saving me from, my foolishness and self-destructive sin; opening my eyes to ways you sweep in and act and save. (Hallelujah! You’ve been so good to me!) I don’t always want it. Oh, how much I lust after having an easier life, a more comfortable life, a trial-free life! But I know it’s a sign that you love me as a son. [Ques 1-3]

“All the long years of Jacob’s life he walked with a limp to remind him of his dependence on God. That limp was a gift!” Okay, no time to ponder this further, but something to think about throughout the day: What LIMPS do I have in my life that remind me I’m dependent upon God? Weaknesses (real or perceived), limitations? Which limps serve as gifts to my communion with God, yet I ache to overcome them or deny them or rid myself of them?

What did YOU reflect on, learn, pray about during your personal time with God? Share with us below! *Click here for the rest of Duke’s daily reflections using the 31 Days of Grace guide … for an introduction to this daily devotion guide … for an electronic copy of Thirty-One Days of Grace. Want a hard copy of the devotion guide to bring around with you? Let us know, we’re order additional copies.