I'm trying to, but you keep saying 'NO'!

A couple years ago I was in my quiet time praying intensely.  Our finances were a bit on the tight side since Tom had decided to 'retire' and all we had to supplement my income was his social security. I had been praying for some time for God to bless us, to help us get through this tough time.

About the same time our associate chief medical officer (ACMO) took the chief medical officer (CMO) position - and wanted me to transfer to work for her.  I didn't really want to leave my boss even though it would be a promotion for me.  I enjoyed my job and the freedom it allowed me to volunteer and to do other things.  I turned it down several times.

But this one morning as I was praying and asking God to bless our finances, I distinctly heard Him say, "I'm trying to, but you keep saying NO!"

That sat me back on my heels!  Instantly the offered position came to mind, and I told God that if that was where He wanted me to go, then I would.  The next day I went in and talked to my boss about it and she agreed - I needed to let God bless me.   I went to the CMO and commented, 'Make me an offer I can't refuse."  She literally got up out of her chair and danced!

Long story short, I did take the executive assistant position, working for the CMO and our CFO (chief financial officer).  I have learned so much in this position.  My co-worker, Jill, is so knowledgeable about the workings of an executive office and has taught me so many things.  I will always be grateful to her for her friendship and patience with all my questions.

In thinking back on the time when I was praying and God spoke to me, I am wondering how many times have I (or we) asked for His intervention, His help, and we said 'no'.  We didn't want to do that.  And the blessing fell by the wayside.  How many times have we asked for His wisdom to guide us - only for us to forge on ahead without weighing all the consequences.

How many times have we NOT stopped to ask God what we should do about a certain situation, how we should proceed, should we do it at all?  Do we forge on ahead thinking that God is going to bless our efforts and we haven't even asked Him for help? 

What in the world is wrong with us?   We want everything 'our way' when God wants to give us abundantly more than we could ever ask for.   What's holding you back from asking Him?  Sin in your life?  Confess it!  Need to spend more time with God?  Find the time!  Long to hear His voice?  LISTEN and WAIT.

It's not hard.  God has made it very easy for us to talk with Him, to abide in Him, to walk with Him.  How are you doing with all that?  Take some time for God today.  Tell Him how much you love Him, tell Him all about your troubles, tell Him you need His help.  Then wait upon Him - before you make any changes, do anything different, wait.  and listen for His voice.

Blessings!