A Bluebird for Rachel is a watercolor that was done by me in the Fall of 2009 specially for a beautiful young friend upon her engagement.
One day Rachel's mother was sharing the story with me of how the bluebird had become a reminder to them that the Lord would not forget to fulfill Rachel's desires for a godly man for her husband-to-be. As I listened intently, I knew that a painting was in the making!
In November of 2009, Rachel was wed to her "bluebird", Micah, who faithfully serves our country in one of the armed forces.
Lamentations 3 says, "This I recall to mind, therefore, I have hope: the Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease; His compassions never fail; they are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness!"
Many verses in the Bible talk of "waiting on the Lord"; but saying it and doing it are not necessarily the same thing, are they? Do you agree that it takes more faith to wait than to receive what we have desired of the Lord? It is in waiting on our Father that our trust in Him is strengthened and refined. It is in the waiting that we learn to cling to Him for our every need and desire. "Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word; just to rest upon His promise, just to know thus sayeth the Lord! " Remember those words from the old hymn? They are so true! Have you ever had a time where God allowed you to wait much longer for your heart's desire than you thought you could possibly stand? Do you remember the wonderful time of closeness you and your loving Father shared during that time of waiting? Once you finally got what you once thought you just couldn't live without, didn't it pale to the glorious gift of fellowship with the Lover of your soul?
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart!" Psalm 37
May you enjoy sweet moments with your heavenly Father as you wait upon Him for your prayers to be answered. Always remember that He is at work for our good even when we can't see it!
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteYour Bluebird watercolor is beautiful and your "inspirational thoughts"/devotion is even more beautiful. I've always loved the song "While I'm Waiting", but I really needed to be reminded to cling to Him while I am waiting and your words helped do that. Thank you for letting Him speak through you in such a beautiful way through these thoughts. Love you!
Melanie
Beautiful painting inspired by the beautiful words of our Lord. Thank you for sharing both.
ReplyDeleteNancy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts and worship with the Father. I love to hear from you!
Darlene Suzanne
The story and the painting are so well matched. I love how the bluebirds and the vine form a heart shape eluding to the love of the married couple.
ReplyDeleteAs to "waiting", if we don't wait for God's timing we can sacrifice our future for His best by demanding to have "whatever" right now. It shows distrust in His time and as Provider. I think that I see this in myself and my children far too often. It is dwelling on material/temporary things vs. unseen/true value/eternal things. Thanks for the reminder, Nancy.