Waiting for Wonder by Marlo Schalesky–Book Review

I’ve been using this book as a part of my morning devotional reading and have really enjoyed it. In fourteen short chapters, the author leads us through the life of Sarah during her long wait to see the promises of God fulfilled. In each one, there is a brief meditation from Sarah’s point of view, as well as some of Ms. Schalesky’s own experiences. She invites us to apply the message of faithful waiting to our own lives, and to see it as a blessing.

“Legacy is born in the waiting. A life that matters is not built through a big bang of success, but through God’s work in the long wait. It was true for Sarah. It is true for us. God is working in our waiting to create a masterpiece, to create a life that points to the wonder of his majesty and love.”

If you are waiting for something in your own life — something to change, something to happen, some way to understand what seems unfathomable, this may be the book for you. Biblically based and realistic (yes, we will all fall down at times, just as Sarah did), it encourages a thoughtful perspective. God is at work, even when we cannot see Him.

VERDICT: 5 STARS

For more book reviews see:

Faith In God by Kevin McFadden –Book Review

A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller–Book Review

Women of Courage: a Forty-Day Devotional — Book Review

Don’t Forget!

I’ve come to the last chapter of 2 Peter in my lectio divina study. What stands out for me in this reading is near the beginning and it’s very simple:

“... you should remember…” 2 Peter 3:2

Peter is telling his readers to remember the predictions of the prophets of the Old Testament, as well as the commandments of Jesus they have learned through His apostles. We should remember those things as well, and continuing to read and study the Scriptures will help us to do that. As we grow older, we each have individual memories to cherish as well– memories of the different churches we have attended, each one with a special history and beauty; memories of Sunday School lessons and teachers; pastors who have encouraged us; brothers and sisters in the faith who have helped us bear our burdens and mature as believers. These people and places make up our personal “cloud of witnesses.” When I remember them, I’m comforted and consoled. Looking back at my own life, as well as the Scriptures, I can clearly see how God has been at work, and is still at work. I’m part of His story and so are you. He’s not done yet!

For more about remembering see:

Remembering What We Are

Remember the Gospel

Remembering the Important Things

I Commend Joy

I’m now up to chapter 8 in my prayerful reading of Ecclesiastes.  Although we tend to think of this book as nothing but doom and gloom, here the author says:

“And I commend joy, for man has no good thing under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful,  for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.”  Ecclesiastes 8:15

In other words, be attentive; God is blessing us every day through His gracious provision.  We should take the time to notice and be grateful.  When we do, our thankfulness will result in joy and lighten our burdens.

This goes along with one of the books I’ve been reading recently.  See:

He goes on to say that man cannot understand the ways of God and shouldn’t wrack his brain trying.  No matter how wise we become, God remains a mystery.  We cannot understand His long term plan.  At the beginning of chapter 9 we read:

“But all this I laid to heart, examining it all, how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God.”  Ecclesiastes 9:1

God is at work. You’re in His hands.  You can trust Him.  SURRENDER.  Give thanks for everyday blessings. I commend joy.

For more on the book of Ecclesiastes see:

A Time to Die

A Time for Everything

Hoping for Something New?