Tag Archives: Waiting

A Whisper

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The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:11-12

While driving to work some time ago I was listening to a song from René Gonzalez, “Mi Vida” or “My Life” in English. René is a friend that I love and admire, and he is an internationally renowned and gifted singer and pastor from Puerto Rico. While I was listening to this song, a couple of lines caught my attention and made me remember my accident.

“Mi vida, vio la vida que refleja tu mirada,

yo pensé que era el final de mi jornada,

pero Tú llegaste para rescatar, mi vida”

This is not necessarily a good translation for the verses of the song, and may note reflect the correct cadence, but are here to relay the meaning I gleaned while listening:

“My life, saw the life reflected in your gaze

I thought that this was the end of my days

But You came to rescue, my life.”

While the song is referring to the redemptive power of Jesus from our sins, I could not but think of my experience with lightning. It’s been some time since I wrote about my accident in the post I’m still standing. During this time I have thought a lot about it, especially when there are thunderstorms. But when I listened to the words of this song, I immediately went back to that day. My heart was full of gratefulness as I remembered that it could have been an entirely different story. It was a moment of complete rendition, and my heart was submerged in worship.

During these months I have asked many questions and looked for meaning. Why me? What for? and more times that I can remember, I have also asked God to speak to me. But then something came to my attention like never before. While reading Psalm 29, verse 7 came alive: “The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning.” Could it be possible? Can this be true? That I had been spoken to and didn’t realize it? I know that my lightning strike experience is one in a million, but still my questions remain. I then remembered when Elijah was in the cave and there was an earthquake, fire and a rushing wind. The spectacular is what we oftentimes relate to God, we want the extraordinary to be showcase in our lives, the impactful is what stirs us and moves us. But when Elijah heard a whisper, that is where God was, in the ordinary. He whispered because he was close.

It is humbling to know that the Creator of the universe chose to speak to me the way he did. And I’ll admit that I might never fully comprehend it all. But one thing became especially clear to me; He speaks in more ways than what we credit him for. Could it be that you and I have been so distracted that The Lord of Lords has been trying to make us see the life that reflects from his gaze upon us, and you and I are missing it? Has he been whispering to you and are waiting for lightning, an earthquake, fire, or a rushing wind? Have you made the struggle of this world the lord of your life?

He is whispering. Are you listening?

Here is the video of this song by René Gonzalez

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2018
Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible: Today’s New International Version. 2005. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Camping

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“There is a time of marching and fighting and then there is a time for camping. Is during camping that the troops sharpen their swords, they are retooled and learn new strategies for the next season. In the past many people have missed out on preparing themselves during this season. The quality of the march is equal to the quality of the camp.” – Rich Joyner – The Call

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” – Romans 15:4

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

While we wait

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by DP

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Romans 15:4 NLT

A friend of mine who had recently relocated to another country, had been seeking for a job in order to also relocate his family. Being alone for some time and going from job interview to job interview without nothing to show for had started to make his uneasiness grow. Not that he had been idle in fact he was getting up early every day and doing his part. He had made a plan and put it to action, counted his resources, and made provision. For him, a bold move like no other one he had done before. You see, his move was not prompted by his desire, but he was certain that his move was directed by The Master. He had a promise, and God always fulfills his promises.

So why he had not seen any results? No offers, no glimmer of hope. While he was being faithful and waited, his available resources were being depleted. He had calculated the time it would take to the end of them, and that time was near. Furthermore, his wife had told him that she was also “all in”, and went on to quit her job and told him so. God had given them a promise and she believed it.

One of those “waiting days”, we got the chance to chat early in the morning and this issue came up. We exchanged some comments and then he said, “I’m waiting, waiting”. Some frustration about the process was surfacing in his comments. I reminded him about this scripture, “…as we wait patiently…”.

Paul was making an exhortation to the Romans as to how to live and care for those that were among them. In the previous chapter he had been telling them how to conduct themselves and why. Apparently there were some among them that had been having some trouble and probably their patience was running slim when it came to considering their brothers and encouraging them. Then this verse comes in the middle of all his instructions and summarizes his teaching and seals the truth about God’s character. He cannot be fooled, die or lie.

Everything that is written in the scriptures is there to give us hope and encouragement while we wait. While we wait for the promises of God to be fulfilled in our life and on the lives of those around us. Paul with this verse is stating that the promises of God are not to be doubted or questioned, but to be expected. We live on promises not explanations. Just as the romans had troubles, tribulations and issues, we have our share of situations, but no situation will ever be as tangible as promise made by God.

So what happened to my friend? Just a couple of days later he received not one, but several job offers at the same time, and his problem was to decide which one to take. As I write, his family is traveling to meet him, their promise came to pass and their new journey begins.

Don’t despair, don’t get anxious, his promises are true and while we wait we should delve into his word to be filled with hope, encouragement and instruction. They were written to prepare you for your next assignment, and the process will help you grow into the man and women that God intended you to be. And all this will happen, while we wait.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”