My shabang

In Bible Study about a month ago, my prayer request was that God would give me a last 'shabang' here in Flagstaff before I headed to Moody. Yep, a shabang. Go ahead and laugh...the girls in my group did. I was just feeling useless and wondering what my purpose was in Flagstaff for a whole semester doing classes that I knew I wouldn't ever need and I really just wanted to start at Moody right then and there. So, being the dramatic impatient person that I am, I wanted to DO something- I wanted a shabang! 

Well, I knew even before that night, that God puts us in times of waiting. And I've been in those times before (just look at my first post!) and that this was going to be one of those times. And oh how I was dreading it. Not that it was going to be horrible- because I love Flagstaff and I have the most amazing friends and the greatest church and I do like my job. But I needed a purpose. 

Cue the shabang prayer request.

Well, I have not truly known the meaning of waiting on the Lord until this semester. Yes, I've "waited", and I've learned about patience, but that is not really what waiting on the Lord is. Ah, I can honestly say that since that night at Bible study, the Spirit has been moving in my heart and it seems like every day I get closer and closer to Him. Today I was reflecting back to even just Christmas break, comparing it to now- and how awesome it has been to just be with God! I don't need a shabang...that will come with time. Right now is my time of refinement and renewal and strengthening and growing in Him- that is what waiting on the Lord is. If you are just stagnant with Him when you wait, then of course you're going to dread it! And that's what I've learned- it takes two to tango, even with God. It's been awesome waiting on Him, and I'm so thankful He hasn't given me a last shabang, because I would not have been able to learn what I have about His character and love. God knew better than I did (imagine that!) and He knew that I was not ready to go to Moody right when I wanted to, but that I needed some help! I feel so much more prepared than I was, but still know God has so much more for me in these next 4 months before I head up there. 

So feel free and pray for your own shabang, you know you want to...but just be prepared for what God might have for you instead.