March 4, 2024
Dear Emily,
I hope this letter finds you well and thriving in faith, hope, and love. Like me, you are in a season of waiting. It's a challenging time, but also a profoundly wonderful opportunity if we see it through the lens of faith and trust in God’s perfect plan for our lives.
Throughout my life, Em, I’ve learned some invaluable lessons, often through making mistakes and facing the consequences of my own impatience and stubbornness. But through it all, one truth has remained steadfast: God is faithful, and His promises are true. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). This verse has been a lighthouse for me in stormy seas, reminding me that God’s wisdom far surpasses my own.
God has a plan for you, Emmy Squirrel. A plan to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). His timing is not only perfect but designed to prepare you, shape you, and position you for the incredible journey ahead. While it’s natural to feel impatient or discouraged during periods of waiting, I encourage you to see this time as a precious opportunity to grow and prepare.
Prayer, getting into the Word, and surrounding yourself with like-minded believers are your tools and weapons during this season. Just as Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed (Luke 5:16), we too must cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God through prayer. It’s in those quiet moments of communion with Him that we find strength, guidance, and peace. I spend at least ten minutes every morning in focused, uninterrupted prayer. Sometimes I hear God’s voice and sometimes I don’t. The key is being aware and open to God’s direction.
Diving into the Word of God is equally essential. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible is not just a book; it’s the living, breathing Word of God, meant to equip us, guide us, and transform us from the inside out. I read a chapter a day. I use a study Bible to help me understand and put the scripture into context as it relates to the rest of His Word.
Fellowship with like-minded believers offers support, encouragement, and wisdom. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17). Never underestimate the power of a community of faith to uplift, inspire, and propel you forward in your walk with God.
During this waiting period, I urge you to plant seeds of faith, hope, and love wherever you find an opportunity. Water these seeds with prayer and let God grow them in His time and for His purpose. Our actions, guided by wisdom and a heart aligned with God’s will, can lead to incredible outcomes when we trust in Him to bring the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).
I hope you will also plant seeds by seeking every opportunity you can find. Don’t confine yourself to place or job description. You plant and water and let God grow.
But also remember to also “sit in the still” and listen for God’s gentle whisper. In the quietness of your heart, He will reveal the path He has for you. Patience is not simply the ability to wait, but how we act while we wait. Be persistent in your faith, diligent in your actions, but always with a spirit of surrender to God’s will.
I’ve learned the hard way that taking matters into my own hands, driven by impatience or fear, only leads to trouble. Trusting in God’s timing, even when it doesn’t make sense, is a testament to our faith and obedience. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8). His ways are higher, His plans are better, and His timing is perfect.
I share these words with you, not as someone who has it all figured out, but as someone who has stumbled, fallen, and been graciously picked up by our loving Father time and time again. His grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
So, Emily, as we both navigate this season of waiting, let’s do so with hearts full of hope, eyes fixed on Jesus, and spirits attuned to the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit. Let’s prepare, pray, and plant with faith, knowing that in God’s perfect timing, He will bring to fruition all that He has promised.
With all my love and prayers for your journey,
Dad
P.S. Remember, dear, to always keep your heart open to what God is teaching you during this time. He is molding you, shaping you, and preparing you for what’s to come. Stay strong, stay faithful, and stay hopeful. God is with you every step of the way.
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