Desires of your heart

Today I found an old notebook I used to write church notes in. I guess I misplaced it for awhile, and started a new one. I was rereading an entry I wrote nearly a year and a half ago in October of 2007 at a LifePointe ladies retreat. I was reflecting on the weekend, and I remember I had been praying very hard for the restoration/salvation for several family members and close friends. I was really at the point where I also wanted a family, but knew it was not yet God's timing. I felt frustrated with my current state of balancing my education (Master's program) with full-time work and Ben's busy schedule. Here's part of what I wrote:

"God, I thank you for speaking truth to my heart this weekend. I thank you for assurance that you will bring these individuals to a place of remembrance, a place where they must decide which way to go. I pray this season will pass quickly, and each of these individuals will be restored unto you in a powerful way. Please do not allow me to carry burdens I am not meant to carry any longer. I release them unto you, and you alone.

Lord, I know you are calling me to faithfulness in the few things you have entrusted to me before I can walk into the next step of my purpose. Help me to be faithful in my finances, my quiet times, my current ministry and field, and my relationships. Even if I do not feel satisfied with my current situation in life, please help me to be faithful in it and enjoy the preparation you are doing in my heart for the next season ahead."

Now, nearly 1.5 years later, it is so awesome how God has orchestrated my life. God has brought so many changes to pass. First, I did see several individuals' relationships with God fully restored. I continue to pray for others. Second, I have seen God's faithfulness in our finances. We've been faithful to Him, and in return, He has continued to bless and provide for us. Third, our schedules are SOOO much better now! Ben has completed the most difficult portions of his PhD program and now has a fairly flexible schedule. I finished my Master's degree last August, which makes "just teaching" so much easier (but never an easy job!).

Finally, God has granted one of the greatest, longest desires of my heart by blessing us with a wonderful, healthy baby boy--Elliott. Growing up, I could not wait to get married and start a family. Although I did not expect to get married so young and have to wait for several years before having children, I now realize that God's timing was absolutely perfect. I believe God has done an amazing work in me already (that will likely be another blog post!) and I'm so excited to see what He has for me next. He is so faithful.

One of my favorite verses that really sums this reflection up:

"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalms 37:4)