"impulsive"

For those of you who don't know me I am in a season of waiting.  For those of you who do know me, HELP I am in a season of waiting!!!  I'm sure you are probably laughing as you know me, and you know just how much I love waiting.  GOD has let me know this morning, that until I stop being impulsive, and stop trying to do things my way, HE will keep me waiting.

Throughout my life I have been the type of person who didn't wait for things to be done for me, instead I always tried to force my hand.  In my marriage, in motherhood, in friendships, wherever I "saw" a problem I would try to "fix" it by myself.   I know that GOD doesn't want me to "fix" anything, but rather wait, and wait patiently for HIM.  Again I am hearing, "be still and know that I am GOD."

As sure as I was that I was waiting patiently, HE quickly let me know that I most certainly was NOT.  There are days where I feel like all I do is wait.  This particular season of waiting, is really stretching my faith, as I have nothing else to go on but to wait.

This morning, GOD revealed to me that I must learn to discern when the "whispers" I hear are really from HIM.  HE has given me steps to follow that were written in the book "Whispers"  I know that in order to truly be able to discern whether or not I am hearing HIS voice, I must  put these steps into action.  I must seek the answers earnestly, with a good and faithful heart.  I must not be "impulsive."  I must wait "patiently."

The first question I must ask myself is: "Does this align to HIS character?"  "Is this truly a message from HIM?"  The second question I must ask is: "Is it scriptural?"  As my Pastor at church says, "Would Jesus Bless This?"  I know that if the answer is no, then I must not listen to the "whisper."  I am learning that not only would JESUS bless this, but would JESUS do this?

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  Let us not become conceited,provoking and envying each other." Galatians 5:22-26

I know that any that contradicts what scripture says, is NOT from GOD.  The third thing I must ask is: "Is it wise?"  This is where it was revealed to me this morning just how "impulsive" I am, and how I try to force my hand in things that HE has said that I need to "wait."  I really struggle with this, as when I want something, I don't want to wait, I want it now.  The Pastor that spoke this past weekend revealed exactly the way I am, which is when I pray I say things like, "LORD JESUS please give me patience..... NOW!!!"  I know that HE is wanting me to wait for HIM.  HE is wanting me to "be still."  I know that short of telling me to shut up and sit down, HE is sending me all sorts of reminders that I am NOT in control, thankfully HE is!  The fourth thing I must ask is: "Is this something I would normally do?"  "Is this something I really feel like I should do, am I trained, educated, is it built in me to do?"  I know if the answer is NO, then I must turn away from it.  The final thing I am to ask is what I believe is probably the most crucial test of all, " What do the people in whom I trust the most think about it?"  I know that GOD has placed some very strong and seasoned CHRIST followers in my inner circle for my own good.  I know that they are placed in my life, to keep me from going off the path that HE has chosen for me.  I know that in order to seek wise GODLY counsel, I must be forthcoming about everything in detail, so that they will fully understand what I am asking.  I know that after I have told them, I must wait patiently for them to respond.  I am thankful that I have such people in my inner circle who have saved me countless time's from making "impulsive" mistakes.

"For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers."  Proverbs 11:14

I am thankful to know that HE has set up these guidelines for me to follow so that I will know how to truly discern HIS "whispers" from the distracting noise that Satan plants in my thoughts.  I know that in order to truly hear HIS "whispers" I must ask HIM to give me ears like Samuel's.  I know that HE has blessed me with the poem, to use in my own life, to be able to seek HIM earnestly and learn the value and the importance of  "be still and know that I am GOD."  

"OH! Give me Samuel's ear, An open ear, O LORD, Alive and quick to hear, Each whisper of Thy word,  Like HIM to answer Thy call, And to obey Thee first of all"

Today I have learned that by telling myself no, and by letting go of being "impulsive" I know that delayed gratification will bring me an everlasting Joy and Peace.  I know that great blessings will come from my obedience.  

So today as I continue in my season of "waiting."  I will do so with a thankful and grateful heart.  Thankful to have a loving Father who loves me too much to let me self-destruct.  A Father who loves me too much to let my life just slip away.  A Father who loves me so much that HE can, will, and does rescue me every time I slip up.  Today I am so thankful for HIS grace, and that HIS mercies are new every morning.

I pray today that if you too are in a season of "waiting," that you will seek to have ears like Samuel.  I pray today that you will be able to discern whether or not the "whispers"  you hear from HIM are truly HIS words.  I pray today that you will stop being "impulsive," and just "be still." 

Blessings,
Heather