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Just sitting around

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It’s not something we do very often, but probably should. Just sit for a few minutes and watch the squirrels, birds or people —  depending on where you’re at.

When I did my Bible reading this morning I felt sorry for a lady who was “caught” doing nothing. My first thought, oh my, poor thing. The verse makes her look lazy, but I’m sure she wasn’t. (I just can’t imagine the work they had to do to survive. I really doubt anyone was lazy!)

Then it dawned on me (thank you Lord!) that’s exactly where she was supposed to be at that moment because the Angel of the Lord met her there.

In this chapter she is only listed as Manoah’s wife. Apparently her name isn’t important. The Bible says Manoah and his wife were barron. We have three grown sons now, but I remember for more than a year, I wasn’t able to get pregnant and the feeling of despair and questioning God’s plan for our life. I’m very thankful for the people God leads to adopt and the babies He provides. But that wasn’t His plan for us —  nor for the nameless woman in Judges 13. 

The angel of the Lord appeared to her and told her she would conceive and bear a son. He also gave her some specific instructions on raising the child, even prenatal care. When the woman shared this information with her husband, I’m sure he was very skeptical. (Wouldn’t you be?)

The Bible says that Manoah prayed and asked God to let the man of God come again and “teach us what we are to do with the child who will be born.” Doesn’t sound like he questioned or doubted his wife, just sounds like he wanted a few more instructions. (All parents should ask God for instructions when raising those precious children —  God knows we will need it!)

“And God listened to the voice of Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman as she sat in the field. But Manoah her husband was not with her, “ Judges 13:9.

As I mentioned earlier, my first thoughts were of embarrassment for her that she was caught doing nothing and it was recorded in the Bible for everyone to see. As a newspaper person, I wanted to know more. Was she sitting there hulling beans? Was she letting bread rise in the kitchen? Was she working on her tan? Darning socks?

Now, I need to ask this nameless woman to forgive me. She was exactly where she was meant to be, so God could answer Manoah’s prayer and speak to his heart.

Of course there are times we question our lives. Are we at the job we need to be? If we did this other job, we could make so much more money. Then when we least expect it, we are an answer to someone’s prayer —  right where God wants us to be. 

I have a feeling all of her work was done … or maybe it was her early morning devotion time. But no matter the circumstances she was being quiet and still and God came to meet with her. 

“And God listened to the voice of Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman as she sat in the field … so the woman ran quickly and told her husband.” Judges 13: 9-11. Like any intelligent man, he heard and believed his wife and followed her to where the angel was waiting … where the woman had been sitting in the field. 

I have a real desire to take my Bible across the street and sit on the park bench for a while. But for today, that will have to wait. But the next time God nudges me to “sit still” I plan to take advantage of it. I won’t be trying to do something else at the same time. I’ll just sit and listen and see what happens. I’ll probably keep it to myself if the angel of God shows up, lest you think I lost some marbles!

This promised baby turns out to be very important to the history of Israel. Samson. Yes, he had his problems and lots of shortcomings (but so do we!!!). But he rescued the Israelites from their enemy and ended up with honorable mention in Hebrews 11.

“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalms 46:10. I love that God wants to communicate with us. If you don’t have a relationship with Him, you can today. Our church encourages people to go to TrueLife.org where you can get answers to any question you might have about God. Make time for an appointment with the Creator.






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