“Now stand here quietly before the Lord as I remind you of all the great things
the Lord has done for you and your ancestors.
Now stand here and see the great thing the Lord is about to do.”
1 Samuel 12:7, 16
As the Israelites crowned Saul their king, they first needed to hear what the Lord HAD done and to see what the Lord WOULD do. So, Samuel’s wise instructions were--stand here quietly!
Standing quietly is not something I do easily, but after hearing Samuel review the history of GOD’s faithfulness to the Israelites, I realize that NOW is especially a good time to review my own history.
A couple months ago, Ron and I celebrated fifty years of marriage. As I stand here quietly, I remember GOD’s faithfulness--His miraculous provisions our first year of marriage when we had to trust Him for every meal--His patient lessons on “pastoring” people with HIS care--His delightful blessing of Amy and Jon--His loving protection in a war-torn country--His absolute miracles through international believers in Nairobi--His faithfulness to teach us multiple cultures--His Shepherd’s care through many dark valleys--and the triumph of HIS strength to finish one last church plant. As I stand here quietly, my heart sings, “All my life YOU have been faithful…With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God!”
And I’m thankful Samuel added a second reason to stand quietly--to see the great thing the Lord is about to do! My God is not finished yet!
So, as I watch Him work, I will stand quietly forever, in great awe and wonder!
