The process

I find it interesting how fasting and prayer - taking time aside to specifically seek God - works in my life. God is so completely faithful, even when I am not, and He always shows me what I need.

Throughout my life, God has forced me to learn patience. He doesn't allow me to have my way, but like a parent with an obstinate child, forces me to sit and listen. He's so good in that He is gentle, but will discipline me when I need it. Any time I have sought God for a specific answer, he doesn't just give it to me when I demand it, but when the time is right.

With some people and in some situations, God will speak to them right away, but with me, I know God will show me when the time is right, and it's not often right away. I have continually seen how He teaches me to trust in Him and in His timing by letting me actively wait, still seeking, but waiting on His timing. My faith has grown so much this way.

Someone challenged me at the beginning of my relationship with Nathan to fast and pray to seek an answer from God as to whether Nathan is my future husband or not. I believe that God does let some people know right away, especially if they seek Him, but I didn't get a clear-cut answer one way or another. What I essentially heard was "Be still and know that I am God". He confirmed to me that I was right where he wanted me, but didn't tell me right then and there the answer I wanted to know - He told me what I needed to know and that I would know what I wanted to know when the right time came. I probably would have tried to take things into my own hands if God had given me the answer I wanted right away.

When I am fasting and seeking God on something, it's so easy for me to become impatient. I don't want to go through the sometimes difficult spiritual process of clearing away the spiritual crap in my life to be able to hear God. But it's very much worth it. The first couple days are always kinda weird feeling, for me. Then, as I continue to seek God and lay everything down at His feet, He gives me peace about everything and starts to speak to me. And at the end, He gives me confirmation of what I have heard from Him over the week.

We're now past the mid-point, and I'm beginning to hear what God is speaking to me, and sensing the peace about certain decisions. There may be some things I won't have clear answers on till later, when the right time comes, but I know I'll hear what I need to hear at this point.

The verse I previously posted from Proverbs 3:5-10 continues to encourage me to trust Him with everything because only He knows the best path for my life.