Speaking From The Bowl

I love going to the doctor’s. That’s not a phrase you hear very often, but I do have a specific reason. The practice I go to happens to be Christian. Every time I come, there is gospel music playing, lots of information to help, and most times they pray with you before you leave.

Nevertheless what I look forward to the most, is a small nondescript bowl that sits on the counter when you check in. It simply has a sign instructing you to take one. In it is strips of paper folded that seemingly look blank. However, inside are little nuggets of gold. Each strip of paper contains a scripture verse. I think of it as the Christian version of a Chinese fortune cookie, but I didn’t have to spend $20 to get one! Each time before I pick one out I say a quick prayer for God to lead me to the right one. Then like a kid on Christmas I excitedly open it up. To me I see it as, “What do you want to speak to me today Lord?” Oftentimes the verse I open up is exactly the verse I needed.

Just yesterday, I had an appointment for the baby and had all my kids in tow. Earlier in the day I had been praying about a specific dilemma and promises we have been waiting on. What scripture did I pull out? Psalm 27:4 “Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord.” Again like clockwork, it was exactly the verse I needed. That simple strip of paper, with that verse typed out, was my reminder from God to hold on. God was gently saying that not only has He heard me, but I can have assurance and courage while I wait.

The thought of waiting is never fun or easy for the most part, but God does not forget what He’s said He will do. God isn’t filled with human flaws. He doesn’t walk into a room forgetting what He came in there for. How many times have we done that! God is again, consistent, never failing, never forgets, and above all is intentional. If your blessing or promise has not come yet, it’s not a fluke. If you’re still waiting there is a reason.

This week I finally called one of the county offices because I was still waiting for certain services to start that should’ve been in place weeks ago. As I sat on hold listening to the music I tried to remain calm. It’s amazing to me the music they play while you’re on hold. I thought to myself “This tune is just making me angrier!” Eventually a worker came on the line and after a few minutes I got transferred to another department. It was deemed an oversight. Someone forgot to follow through with processing my paperwork! Let me say, God never forgets to process your blessing! He never forgets to hit enter or send. There are no oversights in God’s kingdom. So, to say again, if you are still waiting, there is a reason. What that reason is, only God knows, but it won’t hurt to ask.

Sometimes I ask God to show me if there is something I still need to learn or repent of that’s holding up what I’m waiting for. There have been times when He does show me specifically something I need to address in my life that shouldn’t be there. Other times He’s silent. Silence from God doesn’t mean we’re in trouble or in sin. It’s another opportunity to wait until He speaks. Silence is like the red light at the intersection and you’re just waiting for the green. One day the light will turn green. Until then, wait.

God is an active and involved God. Many times He is speaking to us or wanting to speak to us. He can use the bible, a song, a good friend, a preacher on tv, or even a small slip of paper in a bowl. God is always intentional in all His actions. Maybe we should start going about our day intentionally looking and listening for what He wants to say.