The heat of the desert

This is actually a re-post from a year ago.  It seemed appropriate for what I am going through right now.  There are times you feel the heat of a desert.  Have you ever felt that way?

From my prayer journal...
"I yearn for your answers God.  You know my prayers, my hopes, dreams and desires. I long for Your promises to be complete. Sometimes the waiting period seems unbearable.  God your plan seems cloudy or unclear. The waiting seems excruciatingly endless."

Perhaps your desire is for your broken marriage to be restored, your rebellious teenager to return home or a family member's health to be healed. Maybe you are waiting for the right person to be your soul mate.  You wait. You pray. You wait some more.

The Bible is full of people who waited. God's people wait.  Godly people like Abraham and Sarah waited.  They had to wait till they were old to have their first child. Joseph was sold as a slave by his own brothers, only to end up in prison for years before his promise of authority became a reality in his life. Why did God make them wait? Why does God allow us to wait?

There can be long periods of waiting for us all in our different situations and circumstances. And in those waiting times our faith is put to the test. I know I get impatient and sometimes doubt. However, I am learning, that in the waiting, there is joy in this journey. Yes, it's possible to be happy in this waiting room we are in.  While waiting I am learning more about who God is.

Ps. 119:123-124, "My eyes strain to see your deliverance, to see the truth of your promise fulfilled. I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love, and teach me your principles."

I must have blind faith in His time.

My need to wait overrides my need to understand.
My need to control takes a back seat to His Sovereignty.
My need to understand is overshadowed by His peace.
My need to feel complete is waived as He weaves a beautiful tapestry.  
As my eyes strain to see His promise, I have hope and joy as I wait to see His plans unfold. My raw dependence on His strength carries me through.

Dear God... perfect your faith in me no matter...how long it takes.   Your promises are perfect, so that means that you can only bring your Perfection to each promise.

Have you had to wait on God for a specific answer to prayer?  What did you learn in your waiting?