Blessing of Wilderness and Waiting

Book Review: Part II - Curious Faith by Logan Wolfram

At Merrez Farm - Philippines

2 Corinthians 4:16–18

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

When our longings are unmet, we must learn to embrace a more eternal perspective. If we can't learn to see the goodness of life in seasons of unmet longing, we won't know how to find it when we're in a blantly desolate wilderness either.

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 is how apostle Paul reminded us that God's goodness is rooted in eternity, not in earthly things.

Do you have questions about why are you experiencing trials now? If you're happy right now, have you ever thought of thanking God for the blessings and graces?

We may find ourselves in seasons of disappointments and hopelessness if we choose to focus on unmet hopes and expectations instead of looking for the blessings of today.

If people will describe me. They'll say... Hmn! sunshine perhaps! (This is true, they told me. :D) I'm a God-dependent woman oozing with positivism! I always believe in cupcakes and rainbows like what Princess Poppy of Trollz always say. I know I have a great God and He is faithful to me. Jeremiah 29:11. :) Whether I receive good or bad experiences, I always thank God. Literally for everything. Everything I've been through, I believe is equipping me to the next chapters of my Life. And I will always be grateful for the laughter and tears. I will always be grateful for the people who hurt me, it made me strong. And I will never ever be tired of forgiving people. If we've forgiven much by God, we need to generously forgive others. If we've given much, we need to give generously to others in need.

What I loved about this book is how it re-affirms my faith and my journey as a believer. I'm inspired by Logan's humility, honesty and ability to inspire other people. It is true that being a Christian is not about being perfect, or not making mistakes. Being a Christian is having a relationship with God. Being Christian means loving others. Nurturing that relationship with God to serve your purpose, for we know that we are not deserving of God's love but still he loves us.

Logan Wolfram wrote Curious Faith, she is a plate-juggling mom and an interior decorator turned writer, speaker, and host of the Allume Conference. She is a passionate leader who desires to see women live fully in Christ. Logan and her husband, Jeremy, divide their time between wrangling two inquisitive boys and a dog. They reside in Greenville, South Carolina.

Part II of this book discusses chapters that many Christians can relate to. Examining Wilderness. Have you ever experienced a hard time in your life? Are you experiencing it now? Have you landed there because of disobedience?

Like the Israelites, we refused to believe that the goodness God gives is truly ours to receive. When we're facing disappointments, unmet expectations, wilderness. Do you think it's God's training for us? I always believed that things are really meant to be, whether you obeyed him or you used your free will. God is always with us.

God will make a way when there seems to be no way.

I couldn't agree more that one gift of wilderness is the clarity we gain when all else is stripped away. It shows you what's really important. Priorities align, distractions fade away and we find ourselves in an environment where we can dig deeper into our faith.

In many biblical situations, God revealed Himself most clearly to his people in wilderness, like Moses, Hagar, Elijah, David, John the Baptist, Saul and Jesus. Over and over, the spirit of the Lord appeared to His people in the desert, ministering to them and training them in their unique seasons of wilderness.

We have our own shares of wilderness, I'm not saying that we have the same experiences, and I will not say that my pain is same as yours but dear like what Logan shared in this book, it just amazes me. Why are they so obedient with God? Imagine how this people have faith in their wilderness. And their testimonies are unbelievable. God is so faithful to their Journey. Indeed we have a God that listens and deliver! So dear, I have five words for you.

I am one of them." So are you! :)

Don't let the enemy rob you of your faith!

When the devil holds you down and threatens your life in the wilderness, will you just give up and hand your faith to him? Will you believe his lies?

You must know that you can emerge sharper, more victorious, more full of hope, and have renewed curiosity for God. Like how apostle Paul shows it through his battles.

When Logan said maybe it's the fighter in me. I just couldn't agree more! We all have a fighter inside of us! God will make a way for you! You can find fields of joy, sustenance for today and hope for the future!

God is certainly an opener of doors and a creator of opportunity, but he wants us to be curious enough to pursue Him and find the additional gifts He has for us along the way.

Aren't you excited? Because I am!

I love how she bravely mentioned how some Christians will say that they're waiting on the Lord to open the door. And the scripture she sited. The Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites and Jebusites didn't throw a party and invite the Israelites to come in and inhabit the Promised Land. God promised the land to them, but it would require them to actually fight for what was offered to them. Sometimes we must be willing to push into spaces we know God had for us. Move forward with hope and curiosity that God will show up again as He has in the past.

What if we stop trying to open the same door we have chosen and instead just turn around to see what God had for us? We might realize that, in His goodness, God has placed us in a hallway of unlocked doors of possibilities. It's time to get curious about what God has for us in the wilderness. Are you gonna find out what's in it for you? Because, believe us! Something is in it for you my dear!

"Will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" (V.30)

I just had goosebumps while reading one of this book's chapter as I just received an affirmation from God. You wouldn't believe that while I am reading this passage the exact vision of my prayer appeared in the TV screen of the vehicle I am currently in. It's one of the prayers I am really asking him. It's just so amazing, I'm like... How? I'm shocked. Is this true? Sometimes you'll just smile and cry because you'll feel how much he loves you. It's just, God being faithful to me ... just fills my heart with joy. And I felt like I need to believe more and have more faith. 'O you of little faith' the last words I read from the book then I glanced to the TV showing my dream and prayer, I felt so loved by God. Sometimes we just don't realize or acknowledge his ways. But he is working, he is faithful and he has plans for you dear. I immediately said "sorry". I said sorry Papa G. I call him Papa God in our conversations. I love you Papa G. and again sorry for doubting. I am reminded... O you of little faith...

There are times that you will experience low, but please whenever you feel it, immediately call upon Him. I'm sure he will respond. :)

My dear friends, worry creates narrow pathways in life, but trusting the one true God opens us to greater perspective and possibility than we have ever imagined!

"But no one who stays on the ground ever sees the world from the top of the tree."

A perspective defined by worry will always be small.

A perspective defined by God is equivalent to limitless blessings.

Have faith and believe.

Nehemiah says, the joy of the Lord is our strength. ~Nehemiah 8:10

Waiting can be hard, but it can also be joyful.

Logan mentioned about Martin Seligman, a social psychologist and author of the book "Learned Optimism", says that optimists are people who come back stronger after defeat.

If you believe that Jesus Christ died, was buried and resurrected, you subscribe to a theology that hinges in coming back stronger after defeat!

Which means that worry is nothing more than a lie that gets in your way, slows you down, and prevents you from living out of redemption, possibility and blessings God has for you.

Sometimes life just feels like a big waiting room. It makes a soul restless. Waiting is hard, waiting can be so boring. Will we ever see what we spend so much time waiting for? We wait for job offers, for the perfect partner, for babies to be born and many more.

Life on this earth won't ever be lived without waiting. So we'd better figure out how to wait well.

Either you trust Me, or you don't. Which is it?

Psalms 27:13-14 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

Psalms 31:24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!

Psalms 38:15 But for you, O Lord, do I wait; it is you, O Lord ny God, who will answer.

Be strong. Be courageous.

Waiting is courageous.

Waiting is brave.

Waiting is active.

Waiting is full of experience along the way.

Waiting is growing and pursuit.

Waiting cultivates strength and rich experience.

Multiply your thankfulness, and you'll multiply your joy!

P.S. Gosh, these are just concepts from few chapters, the rest I will also share I promise! Part 1 and Part 3 will be shared to you! Blessings aren't to be hoard but to share. This book is really a blessing. Hope to meet you one day Logan! And soon I know by God's grace I will also write a book to inspire others. May God be with you today! Be a sunshine to others! Be a blessing! Happy July 1st! Start your month right. 🙏❤️

Finished an Outreach Program yesterday too, wait for my blog! These kids, gosh! Such a blessing! Thank you Lord! :)

How's your first day of the month? Don't forget to be a beautifu sunshine to others!

You: God, what do You want me to do for you today? God bless you my dear friend!

Lovelots!

Korina

God-dependent Woman

Another P.S.

I really had fun taking pictures of this book at Merrez Farm! :P