His will, His ways, His strength, His glory…
I’m thankful that our God is always working because, some days, I just can’t. I hit a wall of fatigue this week and He was true to His word – I was “marvellously helped”. I’m so grateful that He enables me to work and rest according to His will.
He is our Helper
He doesn’t need my help. God doesn’t need me to accomplish His plans and purposes. He chooses to include me as a participant; as someone He works through.
the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.
2 Chronicles 16:9
How humbling! And, how wonderfully encouraging because He supplies all that is required for this work. This confidence enables me to take the step forward knowing that He will show up and pave the way.
The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.
Acts 17:24-25
But, what does it mean to “wait” on God?
Does it mean stillness? Is it active or passive? Does it mean doing nothing and coming to a standstill until He says to move?
I found this message by John Piper very enlightening and encouraging: God works for those who wait for him. He gives three ways to “wait on God” including seeking His will and counsel before acting; being still in trust and allowing God to accomplish His will; and, lastly, moving when He says and doing the work by the grace He supplies.
From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.
Isaiah 64:4
Process and products used:
This page in my NIV Journal the Word Bible features the following products by Creative Worship Stamps. These are affiliate links, please see the Privacy Policy for details.
- God is Already There Stamp Set
- Hummingbird Wishes Stamp Set
- Worshipful Wordfetti stamp set
- Diamond Mesh stencil
I started with the hummingbird in the nest which is from Hummingbird Wishes. I stamped it on mixed media paper with permanent black ink and coloured with watercolour paint. After it dried, I cut it by hand, however, this stamp set has coordinating dies to make the task easier: Hummingbird Wishes Die Set.
Next, I created the background starting with a floral stamp from the same set. I stamped it in black ink and left it uncoloured. Then, I stamped another hummingbird in light green. It is barely visible but I know it’s there. It’s meant to be like a reminder, or echo, of work being done while resting. Next, I used the Diamond Mesh stencil and applied green ink using a blending brush in a few areas. Then, I added some splatters in green watercolour paint.
For the title, I used a stamp from God is Already There and coloured part of it with markers to echo the colours used in my highlighting of the text. I used the Worshipful Wordfetti to stamp the sentiments at the top of the page. Then, I finished with a prayer of thanksgiving.
Be encouraged
🎶 Satisfied ~ The Worship Initiative
Our waiting is never in shame, but confident hope – He will come through as promised because He keeps His word. So, while we wait, we can trust that He’s working, and we can give praise.
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.
Psalm 50:14-15
