by: Kimberly Dawn Nyborg
Kimberly Nyborg
Have you ever thought of how a racehorse might feel when it is in the chute awaiting the noise of the gun and the gates to fling open for the race to begin? Well, I have felt what that must be like and it is nerve wracking to me when you think that the time is now but…that gate will not open! Or the familiar expression “chomping at the bit,” which says it the way I feel it, exhibiting impatience or frustration when delayed. You see, I am a now kinda girl and I have really struggled with waiting and waiting and waiting!
My guess is that there are a lot of us who have a picture of what it is that we are supposed to be doing in this life. For me, it was my dream to be a teacher. After all, it stemmed from way back as a little girl playing school with my stuffed animals and dolls. I would line them all up as if in a classroom and teach them to read and count. When I was waylaid as an adult because of so many poor choices, that dream disappeared.
It did not return until my youngest son was having trouble in school and was removed from his school setting. I purposed to try home schooling him in an effort to see if it would help his predicament. While engrossed in looking for curriculum, my desire to teach was again stirred up. Wow, the dream came back to life! I only home-schooled my son for a year or so, but with this renewed interest in teaching I decided to try college, hoping that I could be a teacher one day.
Some years before, since I never did graduate (having left home at 15), I received my GED in 1985. The instructor told me there was no reason I could not continue on to college if that were my desire. Being a mom put that on hold, especially with a troubled child. But in 1992 I gave it a shot when that teaching desire was once again stirred in my heart. My dream, however, was once again shelved when more difficulties arose with my son and my husband did not think it wise traveling so far on a daily basis from Int’l Falls to BSU, especially in the winter. Well, the teaching aspirations were once again tabled and I kind of gave up on my dream.
As you wonder where the ‘contentment’ comes in, let me assure you that God sure knows the desires of our heart! It was not long after my teaching bubble was burst that I was impressed and given the okay to lead women’s Bible studies at my church. Over the years, I have gone through various Bible studies, which have allowed me to engage my teaching abilities.
Isn’t God good to me? Although it is a different picture than what I thought, I am blessed to use a gift He has given me to build others and build myself in my times of preparation.
I would have to say that God is teaching me that contentment is being satisfied where I am! And that He also uses me right where I am.
But when He begins to open up different avenues of ministry, then what? If you are like me, you are anxious to get going and ready to jump in and get your feet wet but…hold on. There is perfecting that has to take place, some lessons to be learned, and some observations to be made before the time is right. That is where I have struggled the most — in the waiting. After all, you cannot hurry drying paint or varnish, aging cheese or wine, or whatever it is that needs time to season and perfect that finished product.
Preparation takes place through a period of time and circumstance and the God-given release will come when He knows we are ready to accomplish all that He has for us! In the meantime, while the seasoning is taking place, I am learning to be content right where I am. The Message paraphrase of Deuteronomy 28:12 references the timing thing here. ‘God will throw open the doors of his sky vaults and pour rain on your land on schedule and bless the work you take in hand. You will lend to many nations but you yourself won’t have to take out a loan.’ I think that is such a wonderful example of right timing! The rains came at just the right time to bless the people’s efforts so that they would become the lenders and not the borrowers!
So, friend, whatever it is that we put our hand to do for the Lord, we must rest in being content! Know that His timing is perfect and if or while waiting on Him, know that we are in process — for it is not about us but all about Him. We are being seasoned so that we will be that salty, shining light God will use for His glory!
From the Editor:
Thank you so much for your contribution Kimberly. It really is awesome to see how God works in and through us if we allow Him too.
Kimberly thoroughly enjoys sharing her gift of encouragement by sharing her heart and story at various types of speaking engagements. She has been guest speaker at retreats, camps, many women’s events, as a guest speaker in church and as a representative for Psalm FM Radio station for many years. In radio rallies she has also served as worship leader. You can contact her through her website.
Readers, please leave a comment below to let Kimberly know what you think of her story, especially if it has touched your heart somehow.
You can also read more from Kimberly in her new blog and her website.
Other Articles from Kimberly:
Kimberly Dawn Nyborg – Reconciling Your Past
©2013 Mark Davis
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