That still small voice…

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:11-13 NIV)

How often do we ask God for something and we wait on the answer expecting a BIG BANG when it comes?? We might just miss it! The Big Bang is what we are looking for when the still small answer may be all we need!

Here is how my Boston marathon answer came…God is so good! (I can’t wait to get to heaven and turn the tapestry of my life over and see how things I thought were random, were not random at all!)

Tuesday before Thanksgiving I emailed Team Hoyt a second time about the hardship withdrawal. Here was his response on November 22:

Hi Trish,

We had one runner drop because they are expecting a new child. We had one runner contact us before you so we are waiting for paperwork from him. If he doesn’t come through, you are next! I hope to have more information shortly.

Doug

Fast forward to December 2:

While driving home from a physical therapy appointment(which is working), I talked to my mom. She asked if I had heard anything else regarding the above email. I told her no and that I would contact them on Monday, December 5. Later that evening, Mike and I went to dinner. We discussed the fact that I had not heard and it was probably best because I was still getting my foot back to 100%. I really was okay with this idea!

We were having this discussion not knowing I had an email waiting on me in my inbox…my school inbox. For once, I chose to leave my phone at home. Dinner with my husband = no interruptions….not even Boston. We got home and relaxed. Watched tv. Nothing too exciting…Friday nights of an old, married couple. LOL!

Anyway, it was approaching time to go to bed. I was sleepy! My new spin bike is wearing me out. 🙂 And, I was getting up early to do one of my favorite 5ks…Families on the Run. They serve you a full breakfast once you finish…great incentive for running in the cold. 🙂 As I was walking down the hall to get my race gear ready, I checked my email on my phone. It gives me both home and school in boxes in one place. That is when I read:

Good news. We have a hardship withdrawal. But not a bad hardship. A new baby! Are you in? If so, fill out the paperwork ASAP and fax it back to me at 619 920-7248 or scan and e-mail it back. If not, let me know that too ASAP so I can move to the next. Thanks!

Without saying a word, I turned around and handed the phone to my husband. I let him read it and take it in as I had done. I asked if that was really what I was reading. We looked at each other…hugged and said a prayer of thanksgiving. God is so good!!! The email was sent at 7:23 pm, around the same time Mike and I were discussing that is was not the right time…or though we thought.

For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come
and will not delay. (Habakkuk 2:3 NIV)

Needless to say…God’s timing is always perfect. I found this quote while cleaning this week:

“Ceasing to worry, leaving the FUTURE to the God who controls the future!”

So true!! I believe God has helped me here…I have had some struggles worrying about Boston…but I finally was able to be okay with His timing. That is when the still small voice came in the form of an email…when I least expected it.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore. (Psalm 121:1-8 NIV)

This is what the Lord says:
“In the time of my favor I will answer you,
and in the day of salvation I will help you;
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people,
to restore the land
and to reassign its desolate inheritances, (Isaiah 49:8 NIV)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV)

Thank you Lord, for loving me enough to save me! Thank you for trusting me enough to run for you in the 2012 Boston Marathon! Thank you for the many people who have supported me and prayed for this dream with me. You have blessed me with their love! Step by step you will guide my way…use me as you would want me to be used for your glory!

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21 NIV)

A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.
How then can anyone understand their own way? (Proverbs 20:24 NIV)

In his heart a man plans his course,
but the Lord determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9 NIV84)

Running blessed to Boston!!  Trish