All of my life my Mother has told me that I was born 25 days early and have kept up that pace ever since. Somehow I don’t believe my sweet Mother was giving me a compliment but nicely saying I am impatient. I am. I like things right now. Well, who does like to wait? Even in my prayer life I notice I want things immediately. It is hard to wait for answers. Apparently I forget that I am chatting with my Creator, the One who knows what is best and when the right time is. Recently I was asked to read a book on prayer and when God says wait. Waiting on an answer from anyone is difficult but it is especially hard when it is God. This book helped me gain perspective on that.
“When God Says Wait: Navigating life’s detours and delays without losing your faith, your friends, or your mind” by author Elizabeth Laing Thompson is a 224 page paperback book that any woman will thoroughly enjoy. It is well written with humor, scripture, and biblical stories. There are twelve chapters with catchy titles such as “Wait Is a Four-Letter Word”. All of the chapters are about a biblical character, such as Naomi, David, Ruth, or Miriam” and their journey. They are tied in with life today. Told in narrative, this book took me into the hearts, minds, confidence, and land of each person. I felt their frustration, dilemma , pain, joy, and love as I kept reading. The stories were heart stirring and emotional.
The author has a nice writing style. Her stories flow effortlessly and held my interest. With biblical characters telling their stories the author then explains how it applies to our lives today. The book is well planned and organized. It has scripture and encouragement on trusting God when prayers take a while to be answered. Honest and not sugar coated, the author reminds readers to continue to pray even though they do not get the quick answers they want. Don’t give up, keep praying.
We live in an immediate society. People are impatient and want things yesterday with no waiting. Sometimes it takes a while for things to line up. Sometimes we need to enjoy the journey. Sometimes we need to strengthen our faith. Author Thompson reminds readers not to give up. God hears prayer. Sometimes He has something better planned for us. Sometimes the journey is a blessing. We need to wait and trust.
I highly recommend this book. It gives new insight into prayer, especially when waiting for an answer. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Barbour for my honest opinion. Any church library would benefit from this book. It would be a great Lenten read to inspire your prayer life and relationship with Abba. I would definitely recommend this for a small group, readers club or women’s group. I loved it and was encouraged.
“But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 