Prayer, Petition, and Waiting
- Kelsey Sigmon
- Aug 8, 2024
- 3 min read
“In time, God did what He did, what He always does. He was true to His promise.”
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 CSB
Years ago, when my babies were still babies, I had a job that I loved, but, logistically, it was just unsustainable for my family. I was working 10-hour days, one of which was Sunday, which meant none of us were attending church regularly. I knew that I would have to make a change. In that season, I did a lot of worrying, but I also did a lot of praying. I asked God for something that would be not only sustainable for our family, but for something that would allow us to grow in our faith.
And then I waited.
In the waiting, God was stirring our hearts, longing for us to pursue Him in the same way He was pursuing us. When a great opportunity came along, I cranked up the worship music, asked God for His will to be done, and pleaded with Him to supernaturally move in my situation.
And then I waited.
In time, God did what He did, what He always does. He was true to His promise. The job was mine, and God so graciously provided me with the space and time to pour into my family. He continued to push me forward in my faith journey.
Looking back, after a world-wide pandemic, and now after having moved on to another great job, I can see that when God was stirring our hearts He was using my time of waiting to increase my hunger and desire for Him.
In seasons of unknown outcomes and times of waiting, my human nature causes me to worry, taking my mind to dark and twisty places, filled with what-ifs and worst-case scenarios. My instinct tells me to control the situation, account for the unknowns, and mitigate all the unwanted outcomes. But I still long for peace that only God can provide. His peace is something that no worrying or human instinct can provide.
Paul reminds us here to “pray and petition” to God with grateful hearts, asking for His divine intervention. Praise and honor Him for all He has done and invite Him into your situation.
In the waiting, seek Him.
In the unknown, desire Him.
And while you’re waiting, He will protect your heart with a peace beyond understanding.
He will guard your heart and mind, removing the dark and twisty pieces, filling you with the peace you so desperately need.
Action Steps:
If your waiting heart desperately needs His peace, follow Paul’s instructions. Petition to Jesus. Plead your case. Praise Him. And pray for the peace your heart and mind are seeking.
Listen to “Daily Bread” by Kari Jobe and Pat Barrett.
Ask someone to join with you in prayer over your situation. We, at MMF, and our community of praying mommas, would love to pray for you today. Email us, or join our online community, and let us know how we can be praying for you today.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we worship and praise You not only for who You are, but all You have done. You know our hearts, You know our desires. We invite You into our situation, Lord, and seek a closeness to You. Draw us nearer to You. Let our focus be on You, because we know that You are true to Your promises. We ask that You still our minds, calm our hearts, and grant us Your peace. We love You, Lord. Amen
Written by Kelsey, mom of 2, resting on the other side of multiple seasons of waiting