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Quiet Time
by Kasia Kedzia
There are these moments in our lives that we refer to as game changers. They are the moments when we have epiphanies that change the course of our actions, or the stars seem to align and we just catch that groove we can move in, where nothing can stop us. Sometimes game changers can be bad. They can catch us off guard and we find ourselves in a place asking, “How did I get here?” In those times we need rescuing.
I have learned that true rescue is a heart issue rather than circumstantial. Sometimes I wish I could rescue myself from my present distress - whether physical, emotional, financial or relational. However, doing this would mean putting my trust in my own interpretation of rescue rather than God’s (1Cor1:25-31). Circumventing God’s plan for my life and his timing for my deliverance can cost me the promises he attaches to the hardship, suffering, persecution and weakness I go through in any given season. I would miss out on experiencing perseverance, his comfort, the refinement of my faith; knowing God’s power in my weakness. All these and more I have grown through and experienced over the years. They were never pleasant when I was in the midst of them, but looking back, I would not exchange them. My trials and moments of weakness have ultimately made me better, softened my edges and enriched my life. Although I still have a long way to go, I am filled with so much more peace and hope as a result.
Romans 5:3-5 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Sometimes choosing to persevere can be incredibly difficult. I can be so determined to get my needs met, or what I perceive my needs to be, that I can allow everything else to fade into the background, including clinging to God as my anchor over some form of ‘instant rescue’ – even if it means living independently of God’s word. These are the moments where I have to decide what my game changer is going to be. It is in these moments that I can chose faith in God and trust in his plan or I can take things into my own hands. The decision doesn’t require understanding of my circumstances or me to feel a certain way; it just requires my right action in line with what I know to be true about who God is. Take a moment to think about it, what's the instant rescue you long for sometimes?
Habakkuk 3:17- 19 Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, 18 Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.19 The Lord GOD is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, And makes me walk on my high places. For the choir director, on my stringed instruments.
Habakkuk started out complaining to God but ended in surrendered prayer. Being in God’s presence he learned that faith is the only thing that can enable him to go on the heights. When I learn from him I too can be confident that no matter what I lack physically, emotionally, financially or relationally, I have every spiritual blessing in Christ. Easier said then done? Agreed. There are decisions I must make about my behavior despite of how I feel or what I think I want. It gives me strength and courage to know that I can choose what my game-changing move will be.
Robin Weidner, author of Secure in Heart, writes,
“How do you know you’ve been rescued? When you trust God whether there is food in the pantry, a ring on your finger, money in your bank account or physical healing for your body. When you continue to call out to God for rescue and then trust that what he gives you (or doesn’t give you) is for your highest good. Real rescue is being anchored in your faith by Jesus himself, who went ahead of you without recue, to give you the true need of your heart – spiritual recue.”
Ps18:35 You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.
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Since those first days, I have made it out of the Projects, finished my Masters degree in International Development, and moved to DC to work in my field. As a young single Christian woman my struggles today are a little different than they were when I first came to know God, but who am I kidding, not much. It's the every day battle for my heart to be pure before God, to strive to please him, and help others to seek and know Him.
Over my years of a faithful walk with God I have received much grace and compassion and have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams. Through out it all one thing has stayed consistent: God's word. Through His word I have been inspired and it has kept me faithful even when faith seemed like a foreign concept and God seemed deaf to my prayers. I started emailing my Quiet Times which helped me stay accountable as I shared my struggles and fought for understanding. Some wrote back and said they too were inspired and could relate. I hope some of my times can help inspire others who are seeking and fighting just like I am, to get to heaven and take as many as possible with me along the way.
Like what your read? Check out my blog: http://stronggirlforlife.wordpress.com/
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