I Will Tarry…

Contrary to popular belief and trendy “feel good” theology, the Christian walk is not a walk in the park or a bed of roses.  We are not called to a life of ease and instant gratification, rather we are called to a life of love and service.

We are called to become more and more like our Saviour each day, growing in faith and love and humility. As God directs our paths and we trust Him to guide us and walk the path He has for us, we have no choice but to be a blessing to others and to be filled with gratitude and thanksgiving.  

I was struck by Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians last week one morning while doing devotions.  I was in the process of a week of seemingly unending obstacles as I looked forward to Sunday evening when I was to share my Testimony at Church and Minister in Dance.

I continue to be amazed at the Word of the Lord.  It is not just dead letters on a piece of paper – it is SOOOOOOO alive – always bringing a good and timely Word.

As I pondered my week and the number of obstacles that were coming my way and was feeling a bit “sorry” for myself…….I read this verse.  “For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”  Talk about God speaking directly into your situation.  

I sat right up in my chair.  REALLY?  I thought.  Here was the great Apostle Paul – the Lord had opened up a “great and effective door”, a new opportunity, something positive, something the Lord was directing his feet to walk in and YET……“and there are many adversaries.”  Yes, I read correctly, the Lord opened up a great opportunity and STILL there were obstacles.

So, I thought, let’s look more closely at this.  What did Paul do?  

“But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.”  Paul waited in Ephesus, where the obstacles were; he waited on the Lord, because even though there were obstacles, there was also a great opportunity. He didn’t turn in another direction thinking “surely there are too many obstacles for this to be God’s plan”; he didn’t pretend that everything was hunky dorey; he didn’t quit – he tarried…..

According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, to tarry is to “to linger in expectation”.  I love it!  He not only waited on the Lord but he waited in expectation……expectation of what the Lord was going to do in this situation!

Thank you Father for a sweet Word in due season.   The Father is concerned, not only with the big concerns, but also with our “little” everyday concerns.

So, Sunday came.  I shared my Testimony with my new Church Family.  It was well received and, I believe, God used it to touch lives.  I also had the privilege of Ministering in Dance for the first time at our new Church as well.  It was a real blessing for me.  

I’m glad, like Paul, I tarried, in spite of the obstacles of the week.

If you click on the link below you can watch the dance I ministered to last Sunday night.

Blessing upon blessings upon you as you walk with the Lord!