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Lauren Gaskill

Encouraging women to live in faith and joy

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Waiting with Expectation

July 25, 2019 • 3 Comments

I’ve been waiting for something for more than three years now. It’s something God has spoken over me countless times, through His Spirit and through people who don’t even know me. While I haven’t seen the fulfillment of everything yet, I know it’s coming and I’m learning more and more with each day how to wait and walk in a way that honors and brings glory to God.

About a month ago, I realized I hadn’t heard from God in awhile regarding this thing I’m waiting for. And so, with hands lifted during church one day, I asked Him: How long, Lord? How much longer do I have to wait for what I know is coming — what you’ve promised to me?

The words of His reply weren’t audible, but left a deep impression on my heart. Not yet, my daughter. But soon. Very soon, he said.

OK, Lord. OK. I’m going to stand in faith for soon. I don’t know what that looks like but I’m going to surrender, believe and wait with expectation. I replied.

Surrender, believe and wait with expectation. Of all of the things I’ve done while waiting on God the last several years, I think these three actions are the most essential — especially waiting with expectation. You see, this isn’t a passive kind of wait but a wait that stands in faith and worships and believes and calls things that are not as if they were. Because even when things look dark, we have a light shining on the inside that can expel darkness when we speak the truth in faith.

Beloved, we might not always know how God is working in our wait, but He is. And he hears every prayer and catches every tear.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” -Jeremiah 29:11

If you’re in need of a fresh word from the Lord in the middle of your wait today, here’s what I want you to do. Listen to She Found Joy’s latest podcast series, “Waiting on God.” Draw near to God. Don’t stop praying. Praise Him always. Don’t speak to God about your problem — tell your mountain to MOVE! Stand on His Word and keeping singing until all the walls fall down and the waters calm to a still. He will do it, for the Lord changes not and He is the ever faithful, ever true God.

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Comments

  1. Larry says

    July 26, 2019 at 8:54 am

    Although posts are geared toward women, I always receive a lift and blessing and have communicated this before.
    Larry

    Reply
  2. Jenielle says

    February 11, 2020 at 11:35 pm

    Lauren,
    The Lord has used your words to bring me comfort tonight. I’ve been struggling with loneliness the last couple days. I’ve reached my 30s and desire to be married. The enemy has been working on my emotions, but our God is stronger. Tonight He knew that I needed your words of encouragement…..to surrender, to believe, and to wait in patient expectation. This is what He wants me to do. Thank you for doing the work God has called you to. You are making a difference!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      February 28, 2020 at 10:27 am

      Hi, Jenielle! I am sorry that you’ve been feeling lonely. That is one of the biggest lies from the enemy. You are truly never alone and He is with you always. Giving you a big hug through this comment today. God bless you!

      Reply

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Introducing our sweet baby boy, Graham Gregg Gaski Introducing our sweet baby boy, Graham Gregg Gaskill! 

Our precious son made his long awaited arrival into this world 4/8/21 at 12:27 pm weighing in at 9 lbs. 5 oz. 

His name means gift of God, symbol of healing, watchful and wide awake, and valorous.

Graham: gift of God in some cultures, but it also can mean “grain,” and is representative of the new grain we’ve all been given access to — Jesus’ body broken for our healing. Gregg is after Alex’s dad and means wide-awake, watchful and vigilant. Gaskill: valorous. 

All I can say are the first words I uttered when I had the beautiful opportunity to catch him and pull him to my chest: He’s perfect. 

We are blessed. 🌈
Waves. They come and they go; they push and they p Waves. They come and they go; they push and they pull. All the while, the tides rise and fall, drawn by forces unseen.

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And yet, if there is one thing I’ve learned in my journey of learning the things of the unseen Kingdom of God, it’s that what Paul communicated in 2 Corinthians 4:18 is true: What is unseen is eternal — greater and more real than what is seen. And the circumstances, emotions, and things we experience here? Well, they are temporary.

Your situation might not look like it’s changing, but I promise you as you focus on the things unseen God has showed you and promised you about your life, like the falling and rising of the tides, the power of the Holy Spirit is bringing the substance of those things unseen to pass right in front of your eyes. 

Seek, ask, believe, receive, and keep your eyes on Jesus, sweet friend. He’s not going to let you down. 

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What cares or burdens do you need to cast upon Him today? He is more than willing and able to carry the weight, and in exchange, fill you with His light and life.
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