When God Shows Up

A year ago, we started praying with our daughter to discern her next steps. In grade 11 at the time, she was preparing for the changes that were coming with next years graduation. She was overwhelmed. The numerous options, the desire she has to make right choices, her desires in what she wants to do were all tugging at her. The sheer number of opportunities were confusing the decision making process. 

Craig and I chose to introduce her to a pattern of prayer that God has worked powerfully through, for us, in the past. We had been in an extremely challenging point in our lives and praying for wisdom. We had many people saying many different things, only a few that were consistent with what we felt God was calling us to do. We were becoming desperately confused and hurt.  As we were struggling, we were reading a book called "Choose the Life" by Bill Hull. Right at our most desperate point, God lead us to this description of prayer which affirmed, so deeply, what we were feeling him call us to and how we had already begun to pray.

Choose the Life- Bill Hull

God Leads me in paths of Righteousness p.205

• spend extended times with God, Listen to his voice, dwell in his presence to build my passion and sensitivity to his Spirit. Ask him to reveal his plan and path.
• When I see God working out in front of me, I pray about that path whether it be invitations to teach, opportunities to serve or people sent into my life to help me see new paths.
• I ask God for a desire that is consistent with the proper path (Phil 2:13)  He works in me to will and then to work for his good pleasure. Is God putting the will in me to do some kind of work?
• I ask God directly about any desires and ideas I have. I hear his voice through the Scriptures, the counsel of others and circumstances
• I ask for God’s confirmation that the path is the right one through the supply of resources and personnel and opportunity 
• Only then do I take action

As we spent time in his presence, he told us to "Be Still. I will fight for you". This was different from what a number of people were saying.  Many felt we should be doing something, after all how can God direct something that is standing still? We heard that over and over. The reality was, God wanted us to be still and wait. He was getting ready to do something only he could do. 

We asked for opportunity. We asked for ways out. God blocked them, knowing we would run. He wanted us to stay and he knew we wanted to be in his will. He prevented opportunities from happening that would cause us to run to a path that was easier.

He gave us a desire consistent with what he wanted; however, only in hind sight was that truly confirmed for us. We tested it through times with him and the confirmation of those we trusted and were praying for us. 

God used the scriptures very persistently to affirm the words " Be still, I will fight for you." It is amazing how often that comes up in scripture. Especially in the Old Testament. The people who we knew loved us deeply, had petitioned God on our behalf and who chose to pray before speaking, all affirmed this. That helped us cut through the confusing voices and learn which ones to listen to. God is a God of unity and harmony. The people who spend time with him in regards to your situation will speak in unity and harmony.

God supplied what was needed for the task. As we sat and waited, one of the most difficult things we have ever done, God move mountains. Circumstances worked out in such a way that were miraculous. Outcomes occurred that could never have been accomplished by humanity. God showed up. We were thankful and so amazed at how he pulled things together.

In that situation we were called to wait. To do nothing. It was the hardest thing to do. We learned so many things through this. One of the lessons most impressed upon me was to not speak into someone's situation until I have prayed and discerned. It causes deep hurt and confusion to speak with human wisdom not having sought God. Sometimes God wants to display his power to us and requires that we sit and wait patiently for him. God cares about developing our character. He stretches our patient endurance and faith by showing up at the ninth hour. Don't lose heart.

This was the pattern we chose to introduce Sydney to. All things were pointing to Briercrest. Her desire to keep playing volleyball and study the Bible kept increasing. Opportunity opened up to tryout at Briercrest. The coach expressed a strong desire to work with her. A current setter decided to return to the team but the coach invited Sydney to red shirt, working towards a position. The people we asked to pray with us continued to affirm Briercrest. 

Regardless, there were a couple of opportunities that were confusing the situation, as well as the financial demands of education. The cost is big with room, board, tuition and books. Sydney has felt the burden of financial pressure deeply over the months. It was a heavy weight. She is an independent child and didn't want to depend on us for too much help. I kept encouraging Sydney that God wouldn't lead and not provide. We just need to present our need and pray asking for confirmation through resources.

As we attended her graduation ceremony on Friday we were filled to bursting with gratitude, joy and pride. She received two very great awards with generous financial gifts.  At the ceremony one opportunity had been taken away without warning. We were a little surprised but it was alright because it further confirmed attending Briercrest was the plan for her.

After the graduation ceremony, as we were enjoying refreshments before heading to dinner, Sydney got an email. It was from Briercrest. It was to inform her that she had received a scholarship. A big scholarship. Briercrest awards one scholarship per student. You can apply for the ones you are eligible for but are only able to receive one. The scholarship Sydney was awarded is potentially $22,000.  We were all overwhelmed. God showed up and he showed up big! I cannot find the words to express what it means to us. It is a huge response to her need. To our need. God has moved powerfully to build Sydney's faith and confirm he is capable of providing for her and looking after her. He has proven himself faithful. As her parents it is the confirmation of direction, the building of her faith and knowing that God knows her need and wants to provide for her that moves us so deeply. God has a plan and he will make it happen! Praise him for his love, provision and faithfulness. He is a good God! Words are not enough to describe him or his works. We are thankful and humbled. I was encouraged by others to share his goodness to us so that he receives the praise he is due. 

In sharing this, I pray readers will be encouraged that God is faithful and loving. He is aware of you and your need. He knows you by name and is just waiting to come through for you. He might not do it how you are expecting it. He may also take things away which can be terribly painful. He is working out a plan. May you know God is good and worthy of your heart and your trust. Thank you for celebrating His goodness with us! 

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.