When God seems to not give us an answer it means we must trust the timing of His answer as much as what it will reveal.
“The Prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed; ‘Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me . . .'”
As we walked toward the elevator, my husband looked at me smiled and said, “I can tell you’re not pleased with what the doctor said.” He was right.
We wre at a renowned teaching hospital and I was walking away with much the same answer as I’ve had in the past six years, what my illness is not. Ugh! I was so sick of hearing that word.
Yes, I appreciate the elimination process, but as we made the long drive home, knowing we would be returning again, I prayed, “When will the time come, Lord, that I can hear the words, “it is”?
I can imagine the zealousness Elijah would have expressed the above scriptural words, “Answer me, Lord. Answer Me!”
I’m sure many of you have felt the same. The long road we often must take to receive a diagnosis can be hard, but this was what God, in His still quiet tone, reminded me of:
You are not lost. “He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart” (Isaiah 40:11).
You are not alone. “Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your god will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9b).
You are not spiritually bereft. “In the same way the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us….” (Romans 8:26).
You are not condemned. “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
Yes, my friends, “not”can be enough indeed!
Prayer: Father, as each of us walk the paths You have put before us on this earth, please help us not to forget all the many promises You have given us. That when it is with You, all that You are in our lives “not” can truly be a wonderful prefix to who we are growing to be, for Your plans and purposes. May we honor You with our very breath we take. Amen.
About the author:
Diane Kalata, lives in central Florida, she is blessed to have three grown children, and a wonderful husband who is also her caregiver in those difficult times of illness. She is a cancer survivor, but continues to deal with many digestive and neuropathic issues. She loves art, writing. He desire is to continually be an encouragement to others; looking daily for those “God ordained opportunities” to share His love and truth with others.
Are you struggling with the “not”in your life? Would you like to share those? What has God enabled you to see through His eyes in how “not” in Him is enough?
This article is SO me. I have suffered in pain over 2 years with no diagnosis, just doctors saying what it is NOT. It is so hard to deal with when people ask, “what’s wrong with you?” and I have to say, we don’t know what is causing the pain. Friends act like I’m exaggerating how bad it is since there is no known cause. Doctors act like I’m making it up and it’s humiliating when I’m treated like an addict when I ask for pain meds. it has affected my quality of life because just walking is very painful, not to mention the expense of trying to find an answer and the medical costs. God has a reason for allowing this, I just am so envious of people who can say ” this is what is wrong with me.” I’d love to be able to say, ” I have this or that”. Appreciate prayers!
Kathy,
I can definitely understand. It is so very frustrating.
Not to mention costly and life altering.
Like you, I have come across many Dr’s with closed minds and attitudes.
The one thing that has kept me going is my faith, my trust and confidence in the Lord. I know that He is beside me at all times. Even when I can’t understand the why’s, I know He in His wisdom and love for me, will do what’s best. Often having to remember my thoughts are not as His….
So my friend, i envourage you also to hold on as i, don’t give up the Hope we have in Him. I’m praying for you, for strength, for peace through the journey, and for His answers to be clear and forth coming.
God bless. Di
Such a wonderful reminder of why “not” is really so good Di!
So glad God gave you these words to share with us and continuing prayers as you continue these investigations into what “is”.
Blessings dear friend,
Fiona
Fiona, thanks, for all your love and support. You’ve really helped me by walking the distance with me!
I always know you are Standing in the gap praying me through.
What joy to know that we all can do that for one another.
And also that God is standing with us, and fighting for us as we continue seeking “what is”.
Blessings, Di
Hugs Di
Diane – what a great perspective to keep during all the waiting times and still believe God is working on our behalf behind the scenes where we cannot see.
It can be similar when one has a diagnosis (as I have) but every attempted therapy or “plan” to bring relief or healing has “not” been the outcome.
It is a huge trust issue on either side of the equation with Him being our balance and steadfast support.
Continuing prayers for you to hear those words and finally know what is causing your pain.
Love,
Lynn
Lynn you’re so right, the balance between the two is precarious. As you said just knowing isn’t always going to be helpful. For the answers may not be able to bring resolution. I Have already tried to prepare for that as well in my mind and heart. It’s not always possible to get the answer we are seeking with our health, but ad you said we can depend on God to grant us “balance, steadfast support” ( for us that is both Spiritually and literally lol)
Thank you for you sweet prayers and for your encouragement along this path. You have been a great source of not only hope but information for me!
Love and blessings. Di
Love you, my friend! 🙂
I AM BLESSED DIANE…
HELLO LISA. NO INTERNET CONNECTION; SORRY.
Excellent devotional & wonderful twist on “NOT!” Thanks Di 🙂
Perfect timing for me coming to read this “late” with our buyers land still NOT selling yet! I really needed the positive spin on this!!
Di, I love your attitude during this tough waiting time for a diagnosis. May God continue to guide you on this journey to understanding what is going on in your body. Trusting a solution will come for you. God bless you tutu sister. LOTSoluv Kerryn