by Andrea Renee Cox
Waiting.
Not the easiest thing to do. I’m not sure anyone would call it their favorite thing. But even in the fast-food and social-media era we live in, waiting is a necessary thing.
I’ve struggled with impatience my entire life. Over the years, I’ve prayed for patience, going against advice from lots of different people. But asking God for patience was something He had asked me to do, so I followed through. And He followed through. He’s faithful like that, you know. If we ask for something in accordance to His will, He is faithful to give it to us. I’m walking proof of that now.
The timing of reading Waiting for Wonder by Marlo Schalesky could only be God-ordained. He sent me this book as confirmation that what He’d been teaching me through my tutoring and editing jobs, as well as my personal growth, was that patience truly is a virtue and one worth asking for. It’s a gift worth fighting for. Yes, it’s a fight. To tame that impatience within our souls. To learn to rely on God’s guidance and especially His timing.
I particularly enjoyed how Ms. Schalesky followed the life of Sarai (Sarah) to show each step of learning patience, of waiting on God, and finding wonder in the meantime. Several times I found myself realizing that I hadn’t taken the biblical account from that angle before. It was really eye-opening, and I highlighted several things that touched my heart, that way I could revisit those specific points again later.
It was also interesting how Ms. Schalesky offered personal anecdotes to complement the lessons learned from the various portions of Sarai’s life. Putting oneself out there in such a vulnerable way (sharing personal stories of mistakes made and lessons learned) isn’t always easy. It takes great courage, even if the events happened years ago. So I appreciate the author digging deep and going to those hidden places to shed some light on her own hard-knock lessons and show us readers the hope and answers she found in the waiting place. That daring spirit is what endeared me to this book the most. As I was reading it, it felt like the author had pulled me aside and spoken these things to me in a private corner, just between us girls. Waiting for Wonder was a whisper to my soul about the incredible importance of learning to wait well.
I hope it will be just as encouraging to you.
How would you rate your patience level on a scale of one to ten (one being the least patient and ten being the most)?
Have you ever wondered how to gain more patience?
Who are your role models for patience?
(You may learn more about Andrea's experience with asking for patience here.)
What if, in this waiting, God is calling us to more?
It's easy to believe God when a promise is new. It's hard when the years pass and nothing changes. It's even harder when desperation strikes, your plans backfire, and still God does not fill the emptiness. But what if, in this waiting, God is calling us to more?
Join author Marlo Schalesky on a unique, contemplative journey to reveal the wonder that is often missed when we find ourselves struggling to wait well. Walking through the life of the biblical character Sarah, one who knows what it means to wait, you will discover a glimpse of God's character that will give you strength to keep hoping and praying for the desires of your heart.
Waiting for Wonder is a journey into the heart of God where you will wrestle with personal questions, think deeply about God's true character, and learn to appreciate His divine work as you discover your own path to the promised land. Recapture your hope, restore your soul, and renew your vision of a wondrous Savior when you learn to live on God's time.
Leader guide also available.
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| Marlo Schalesky |
About the Author:
Marlo Schalesky is an award-winning author of ten books, including "Wrestling with Wonder: A Transformational Journey Through the Life of Mary." A regular speaker and columnist, she has also published nearly 1,000 articles in various Christian magazines, including "Focus on the Family," "Today's Christian Woman," "In Touch," and "Marriage Partnership." Marlo lives with her husband, six young children, nine horses, two dogs, five cats, two parakeets, ten rabbits, two chinchillas, three hamsters, and a bunch of fish in a log home in Salinas, California.
***GIVEAWAY***
Because God’s timing is so rarely our own and we lose the wonder in the waiting of life, desperation strikes, plans backfire, and we begin to wonder why God does not fill the emptiness. Be encouraged to find strength and hope in Marlo Schalesky's new book, Waiting for Wonder.
Journey into the heart of God where you will wrestle with personal questions, think deeply about God’s true character, and learn to appreciate His divine work as you discover your own path to the promised land. Recapture your hope, restore your soul, and renew your vision of a wondrous Savior when you learn to live on God’s time.
Learn the true purpose of waiting on God and living on His timeline and enter to win Marlo's giveaway.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- Two copies of Waiting for Wonder (one for you and one to give to a friend)
- A KEEP Collective watch set (with a band and watch)
Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on December 23. The winner will be announced December 27 on Marlo's blog.
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Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley and Litfuse Publicity Group. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
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