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If I'm being really honest I'm rarely impressed by people. It happens, but not super often. I don't mean to be harsh, but on the whole, with the exception of those that are working like dogs in vocational ministry, most people I come across seem wanting in some way.

Don't get me wrong! I know how judgey that must sound, but the thing is I adore people and wish the majority of them, Christians particularly, had a higher standard by which they were living their lives. 

This extremely long and wordy preface is to let you know that I'm not one for flattery or false praise for the sake of filling words, however I just have to tell you about this rad kid we met in our travels, how he encouraged us and then let him encourage you with some words he jotted down for his daddy's church. 

First things first. I should clarify. He is not a kid. He is 25 and quite a nice young man, but at 40, he just seems so young and thus, I will affectionately refer to him as, "kid," from time to time. Humor me. 

You know how sometimes someone who is SUPER quiet can come off as a little awkward? Not because there is anything really awkward about them, but because you feel uncomfortable that said introvert isn't a conversation starter. Well...perhaps that would be a good way to give a first impression of this young man of many talents. He's the town golden boy though he doesn't know it or believe. He's keeping his eyes open for a bride though there are a couple ladies around who I'm sure wouldn't turn down a proposal to this pastor's son who just so happens to be a pastor's grandson too which is perhaps how his excellence in character has been rooted so deeply...generations of faithfulness and whatnot.

He is currently building a house on the land next his parents. He loves children and especially has a heart for our Howie's (age 4) launching hugs. I could go on and on into this kid's fabulous qualities in case you know an exceptional Christian woman who wants to settle down with a wood working Engineer in a quaint farming community in the northeast, but I'll just say... I don't generally steal (with permission of course) someone else's words at this length to encourage you, but they are from a good source and a worthy read. 

And so with no further delay here it is...an encouragement from a young man who isn't perfect, but is one of the most respectable humans I've encountered in my life. I suspect he just happens to be waiting for God's choice for his bride. 

"We all have things we are waiting for. Things that are seemingly so far away that we begin to lose hope. Maybe you're waiting for a prayer to be answered, a broken relationship to be restored, or for the doctors to have a clear path to healing. Maybe you're simply waiting for wisdom to take action. The list is endless and something different comes to mind for each of us. 

Even though waiting can be crippling at times and you would rather have the enemy battle-ready in front of you instead of looming in the next valley, you are EXACTLY where God wants you to be. You see, when there is nothing that can be done, nothing that can be said, nothing that can be bought, it is the perfect opportunity for God to show His power. Because then when God moves on our behalf, we have no choice but to acknowledge that it was God that moved and not our own strength. 

David waited 15 years after being anointed to become king, Jesus waited 30 years to begin his ministry, Grandpa Bob waited 70 years to shoot his first buck. So whatever it is you find yourself waiting for, take heart, dig in, look up, give thanks for the family that's by your side through the pain, see the sunrise from your foxhole, squeeze out the joy in the small things, and smile knowing that you are fully equipped for when God calls you to do your part. And when that does happen and you hear His voice, jump with all your might and every ounce of your being knowing that the outcome is already planned by the God who spoke the stars into place and is holding you squarely in the palm of His hand."

Exhale sigh of relief...

I've read it a good handful of times since the first time because I just so happen to be waiting for something. It was probably around the 5th time or so that I thought...there is a nice "to do" list here for those of us who are waiting! 

7 Must "do's" of you are waiting:

1.Take heart:

Gain courage and confidence while you wait. 

2.Dig in:

Refuse to give in to the discouragement and lies. Do not be pulled to and fro, but stay rooted in your firm foundation. Greedily consume God's Word. I don't know which he meant by dig in, but they are both valuable analogies. 

3.Look up:

Eyes on Jesus people!! Keep an eternal perspective and hold on to the truth of providence and God having a plan that is far better than your own. 

4.Give Thanks:

Thankfulness not only breeds joy, but peace in your circumstances. Daily thanksgiving should be a part of every believers life..

5.Build your foxhole:

Sometimes hunkering down in a defensive strategic position is what is required of us. Guard against the fiery darts of the enemy and for Pete's sake keep your armor on at all times! 

6.Squeeze out the joy:

Finding joy in your circumstances and in the little things is such a beautiful part of trusting God. If we believe He loves us and is in control then we can find joy in the wildflowers and sunsets.

7.Smile:

Sometimes you just have to do it when you don't want to. Find something that makes you laugh and laugh. Be around people who make you smile, so you can smile. 

So from one fellow person longing for a promise of God to another, do the right things everyday. Hold fast to your spiritual disciplines. Chase joy. Breathe Gratitude and keep hope and grace and the forefront of all you do! 

Thank you so much for sharing your time with us. Did you know it will only take 2000 Christians (out of 67 million professing believers in the U.S.!!) donating $1000 each to fund our facilities project?! Be 1 of the 1965 people left who help us reach our financial goal!

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This post was written by Nickole Perry, co-founder and Director of Operations at Cedar Creek Ministries. 

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