Many of you know that today was such a big day for Jason and me, as we have been anticipating my citizenship interview for months that will pave the way for us to leave for Thailand; and today was it.
 |
| That’s me, around 7:30 a.m. this morning, waiting outside the USCIS building to be allowed in for my interview. |
This morning I was shocked and disappointed when an immigration officer of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) told me that they can’t do my interview today because they don’t have my A-file (the file that’s supposed to contain all my paperwork and information.) I was — in all humanly possible way to react in this situation (‘in my opinion’) — literally shaking and very much disappointed to hear this. Jason and I walked out of the building silent.
Jason, as always, was positive about the whole situation. With his encouragement, I shifted my focus on how God wants me to respond to this to honor Him. I must admit, though, that I was still feeling discouraged and confused with the whole thing. My mind was just going into all directions — back and forth from what the immigration officer said to the decisions we have to make in the coming days.
This afternoon I opened my email not really expecting anything, but hoping for something. God spoke. In my email from Derek Prince Ministries, God spoke. The words, “Do not allow questions to arise in your heart concerning My timing. My plans are moving according to My schedule, and they are right on time,” echoed in my ears and in my heart.
In that email was His word on Habakkuk 2:3, “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay.” This flooded my whole body with so much peace. It came in perfect timing! I excitedly exclaimed to Jason, “God spoke to me right now!” I needed to hear from Him, and He spoke to me. It’s amazing how our Father can calm our hearts and our storms. He knows exactly what we need.
This is my opportunity to respond as Abraham did. In Romans 4:20 – 21, “yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.” God will fulfill what He has promised to me — to us. What He began, He will finish. Oh! May my heart be rescued from unbelief and declare at all times, “I believe, Lord. Thy will be done!”
The waiting period is never easy, and sometimes can be very frustrating; but, the waiting period allows us to grow. The Lord is not after our “own welfare,” but He is after our characters. In doing this, He is realizing a far greater purpose than an answered prayer.
Father, increase my faith. Help me to be patient. Help me to trust You completely in this period of waiting. This is but a part of a larger scheme that You will ultimately bring together for Your glory at Your appointed time. Help me to rise in this occasion the way You want me to and to grow in the assurance of Your love.
Declaring my trust in Your perfect plan,
Kezia
{abba's girl. fearless & fiercely loved.} by kezia lewis 