Recently Jocelyn took sick and so we did not see her for three days. It was only over the weekend, yet when she returned, she seemed like she had grown taller. Bigger.
She talked more too 🙂
Seeing the growth in her made me realize that growth happens often sight unseen. We don’t always notice it is even occurring, until after it has taken place. And this got me to thinking …
God led the Israelites with a cloud. They had been told to watch the cloud and it would lead the way for them through the wilderness. As the cloud moved, they followed. But when the cloud stayed still, they had to wait.
“Whenever the cloud lifted from the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And whenever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp. In this way, they traveled and camped at the Lord’s command wherever he told them to go.” (Numbers 9: 17-18, NLT)
Now I am sure the wilderness could not have been the waiting spot they would have chosen. Just the mere word makes me long for water. Visions of camels, heat, sweat, and mirages come to mind. Waiting is not easy even in the best of locations.
But both the moving and the waiting were a part of God’s plan for them. They were each equally important to the trek to their promised land. The wait probably taught them vital lessons they would need for the move.
God knew the Israelites needed times of waiting in order for growth to take place. It was those times of waiting which developed in them that which they would need to fulfill their purposes in their land of promise. And so today I pray …
Dear Lord, be with my granddaughters as they grown. Watch over them as they develop causing them to be grow in health and character in every stage of life. As they become aware of their bodies changing, help them to understand that each of them have been created by You, unique and different than the other. May they come to learn that You have a plan for each of their lives and may they submit to your control. May their illnesses be few and their days be filled with Your joy and excitement for life. Amen.
Today I am joining … Playdates With God and Inspire Me Monday and Sharing His Beauty and #SmallWonder .
I love your Grammy prayer. One of my favorite traditions with my boys has been the annual “measurement against the door” and I treasure all the pencil marks with initials and dates. Like you however, I pray for a deeper growth and a more eternally significant one for sons and for grandson.
Isn’t it amazing how the older we get, the more we pray for the eternal significance of our future generations! Praying that grows your family line to be one which always brings Him glory & honor. Blessings!
My family and I are in that waiting place, in so many different areas. Thank you for the encouraging reminder that this is where the growth takes place. You posted such a beautiful prayer for your granddaughters too. I’m visiting from Inspire Me Mondays. Wishing you a blessed week!
Jed, waiting is hard work. Funny to think about. We feel like nothing is happening & yet, the most critical may be happening right inside of us. Your comment brought back to mind when Jesus replied to the Jewish leaders, “My Father is always at work and so am I.” (John 5:17,NLT) We may not see it but He is working even in the wait. Blessings!
What a beautiful thought! Thanks for sharing that sweet story about the Israelites. I’ve read the story of the Israelites several times, but have never lingered on that verse. I love it.
I hopped over from Sharing His Beauty. Have a wonderful afternoon!
I think I always assumed they packed up & moved each morning but that may not have been so. There were stretches of time, they stayed put & had to wait for God to move. May we patiently wait & let Him grow us in those times. Have a great weekend!
Your prayer is beautiful. I don’t have grandchildren yet, but watching and waiting while my teens turn into adult carries the same hopes and dreams!
Carol, you are absolutely right, the prayer is one for our children as well. May yours grow in Him and into His plans for each of them!
I like your thoughtful prayers! Our family is in a waiting time as well and it has taught us so much about God’s wisdom and plans for our lives. Hoping and trusting that He will work the best in us! 🙂 Thanks for your encouraging thoughts and prayers…
Grateful you were encouraged, Alice. May we always remember that while we may be still and waiting, our Father is always at work (John 5:17). May He grow you in the wait. Blessings!