I watch. I wait. I wonder.
Some call it courage. Some call it foolish.
I call it faith.
Six months ago, I wrote a blog post called, “Join me on our God Watch.”
It invited blogging friends to join our family as we entered another “God Watch” period in our lives – my husband’s pending unemployment. Years ago, I coined that phrase for our children as a game, of sorts. It was an intentional way of watching and waiting to see how the Lord would unexpectedly amaze us during a particularly difficult circumstance.
Now, it’s a family mantra. Our God Watch is a reminder to gaze at His goodness. To rest in His reassurances. But more importantly, it’s a whisper of willingness to choose joy in the midst of doubt.
I chuckle as I re-read that post. Uncommitted, I typed it in less than ten minutes. Heartfelt was the God Watch invitation, but at the end of the post, I retorted, “remind me of this in six months if we’re still unemployed, deal?” I never assumed I would need to revisit that tongue and cheek comment.
Yet here I am, 6 months into our God Watch.
Satan would love nothing more than to take me down the winding road of regret and woo me into a long whining discussion. You know the one–the back and forth conversation that takes place in your mind. Ideas primed as dagger-like darts. Feelings that mull around in misery, yet no audible words ever leave the mouth. Oh yes, those have been some of my more lively discussions.
But today, I have a choice. His faithfulness reminds me that I have no other choice than to punctuate my life with praise.
Praise for His security during times of uncertainty.
Praise for the little things, since they are reminders of the big things.
Like the way the stars twinkle so much brighter snuggling on a blanket with my husband and children.
Or the way my teen age son guzzles the soda straight from the 2 liter as I type. No sky rocketing mommy annoyance now. I am just so thankful he’s journeying with us, choosing to be “an untypical teen” during this learning transition.
How about when my favorite grocery store tripled their coupons the very week I needed to stockpile my favorite items or the “trash to treasure” finds that I uncovered at last weekend’s yard sale?
Ah yes…finding joy in things I had entirely missed before deepens my faith walk. It’s a reminder of how this extended “God Watch” season can grow us deeper, make us more intentional and reveal to us the little blessings that are so often overlooked.
So here’s to month seven. I invite you to join our family on this “God Watch” as we watch fervently, wait expectantly and wonder with anticipation; for all that the Lord has in store during this adventure.
Do you care to join me with on your own God Watch journey? I’d love to have you.
Leave a Comment
emily says
Well said, Jen. I love how you say your God Watch is a whisper of willingness to choose joy in the midst of doubt. It would be easy to be overcome with doubt after 6 months of unemployment. I love that your family rejects doubt no matter.
Christi {Jealous Hands} says
We are on a God Watch too. Some of the pieces we can already see falling into place; can’t wait to see what else there is in store!
Angela says
I am on a God Watch in my own life, but not for money or a job. Just for a situation that I *know* just has to, has to work out. I know that God will get the glory for it, but in the meantime I am getting impatient to get back to “normal.”
Thanks so much for this post and the wonderful reminder!
Mary @ Passionate Perseverance says
“to choose joy in the midst of doubt”
Jen – I love the term “God Watch”. I have been on many of them in my lifetime. It is a powerful thing to chose joy when everything else around you is uncertain. Thank you for reminding me to choose joy, always joy!
I hope your God watch ends soon and He answers all your needs. Blessings to you and your family…we will join you in prayer watching and waiting with you.
Melissa Multitasking Mama says
I love this concept and your heart of faith and transparency!!
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says
Jen, you are such a good writer & so great at expressing your deepest thoughts. I just know that God is going to come through for you during this God watch time. In His time.
Marla Taviano says
This is awesome. We’re going through something very similar right now. Thanks for sharing!!
The Nester says
Wow! Jen, you are such a great writer. I’ll join you on the God watch!
Saul says
Thanks for sharing! Your post brought great memories of God Watch times growing up as a MK. Just wanted to drop a note that this season may be one of the best gifts you could ever give your children, as it was for me!
AnnieBlogs says
Girl, I’m with ya.
Krista says
What a great name for this concept. My family is definantly in the middle of a God Watch. You just need to keep looking for the good.
Jennifer says
I love that idea… to think of a trying time as a God Watch! The waiting is always worth it in the end!
Mrs. Q says
What a great name for a season of faith! We are currently on a God Watch ourselves. My husband’s hours just got reduced. But since we know our God is faithful to provide for our needs, we are just waiting to see what He does that we hadn’t even thought of yet 🙂
Dawn @ My Home Sweet Home says
Jen, I’m praying for you and your family, and thankful for your example of faithfulness.
Jennifer says
Thank you
Debra says
We are there. Waiting and watching and writing it all down until God does the big thing … employment … and being thankful for all the gifts in the little things as we wait and trust in Him. He is faithful!
Andrea says
Just this morning God reminded me how His timing isn’t necessarily our own. I had prayed for something specific years ago and just now am seeing the answer! I admire you for your faithfulness and ability to praise even while you wait this “God watch” out.
Stacey @ The Blessed Nest says
What a great phrase your family coined, “God Watch”! I’m going to take that phrase for my own! I’d love to join you on a God Watch, been doing that for months here seeing & thanking Him for the blessings that He provides & trusting Him for the rest!
Terri @ Artfully Arranged Disarray says
We are on our own “God Watch” right along with you! Each time I lift my own family up in prayer, I pray for the so many others we know who are in the same boat as us, or worse. We definitely count our blessings and are grateful that He is so faithful. When I get 22 bananas for $0.20, I tell my kids how great God is! We see His touch ever so much more clearly in our needs.
melissa @ the inspired room says
Oh, dear Jen. How I can relate to this! We have been on God Watch for quite some time. And even as one prayer is answered (a new job after a year), another God Watch opportunity presents itself. It is quite clear that God is using these challenges to strengthen our faith!
I know God knows our need and I know behind the scenes He is at work. We are watching expectantly for His plan to unfold. It is hard to wait, hard to understand, but so exciting to know God is in control even on those long silent days and months!
I’m right with you on the God Watch! Praying for you Jen!
Hillary @ The Other Mama says
I’m on it and I love this! Miracles still happen if we will only notice and appreciate them!
Great post, Jen!
Sarah Mae says
Your faith is inspiring! I am definitely going to use that term in my family – thank you!
Tracey says
I will join you! We are on a God watch to see if we will be moving from Virginia to Colorado for a new job for my husband.
Amber@theRunaMuck says
Watching with you. Thank you for this post.
Psalm 37.
Amanda (The Healthy Frugal Home) says
Thank you for such an inspiring post. Having read this I am now on a God Watch. I have a situation here that means I may lose the job I love because I am diabetic and cannot promise not to be off sick ever again. I have felt in the depths of despair but I am working my way through with the help of family and God. I am discovering things about myself that I never knew and my faith is deepening each and every second that passes. I am not alone and that brings me such comfort and joy.
God Watch – as I watch and wait to see what the future holds I know that He is watching over me and will not let me fall. Blessings to you Jen for the comfort your words bring.
mary bailey says
I love this idea “God Watch”—waiting and watching for the great things He will do, in His time, not ours. Thank you for your honesty and for sharing your faith!
Autumn says
love family “mantras” – something your whole family really understands. so much love and faith wrapped into your God Watch. blessings.
Stacie says
Thank you. I’m on a God watch of my own, and just today had become so discouraged that I thought I was just about ready to throw in the towel and give up. But, I know God comes through and I know He will amaze me one of these days. So, until then, thank you for the encouragment to keep my eyes on Him and to keep watching!
Heathahlee says
I have my own “God Watch” of sorts…thank you, Jen, for the encouragement that even when the days get long, He is still faithful!
Shaunie Friday says
God Watch. Oh yes! Watching Him like a hawk because I don’t want to fail to notice anything He does. Thanks for this!
Sarah Markley says
“gazing at His goodness”
i love this.
i think we all need to do this more often.
so proud to be on this journey with you!
We are THAT family says
You have a terrific attitude and I believe God’s best is around the corner! Believing with you.
Amy @ Finer Things says
We’re on a God Watch, too. We’re watching and waiting and praying and counting our blessings as we hope for another baby. Can’t wait to see what He reveals!
Jenny Sellars says
We are on a “God Watch” here too! My mom has been battling breast cancer for 9 years now and just this morning (Wednesday) she had another Dr appt and there is ANOTHER spot that she has to have bioposied. Please keep her in ya’ll’s (don’t you love us southerners?) prayers as I have you all in mine! I am just feeling really down today and need the pick me up of this beautiful blog!! Thanks for letting me vent!
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect says
Jen, I cannot WAIT to hear everything that God does during your God watch. What a faith story you are building with Him!!
Blair says
Thank you so much for this post. I too am in a God Watch right now, having entered Month 5 of my husband’s job search, and having faced a year that has included major illness, knee surgery for my 6 yr old, and impending open heart surgery for my 1 yr old. I’m very impatient at the watch spot, and comforted to know there are others on the Watch too…
Amy says
I love this phrase… God Watch. It sums up where I find myself in leading a ministry that needs miracles every month to be sustained. Just last night, I had a “family meeting” with our staff and we talked about taking ownership in prayer for the finances of the ministry… not to feel obligated to “do” anything but to feel an obligation to pray… and to trust God, and to watch. I’m going to share your post at our next staff meeting… and start using that phrase too.
Robin says
My husband spent almost 20 years employed in the R.V. industry. After 15 years with one company he then lost three jobs in a four year period, due to the economy. It was a very stressful time, and actually still is since my husband is making about less than half of what he used to make but God has been very faithful to us.
I pray that He opens a door quickly for your husband.
Lauren says
Hi Jennifer, that is such a beautiful post. I love the idea of a “God Watch.” I, myself, have been on a journey over the past 8 months or so. Trying to tune in to His plan for me — and be mindful of the answers He’s laying before me. It’s a delight when I actually see them…
Krista says
we are on “God Watch” as well. Going on a year of, no job, and several disappointments as we discover again what God is not doing. We are hopeful that this season will be over soon and thankful for all the great things He has done while we’ve been “waiting.”
Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates says
Oh I love that term! Your attitude is so inspiring. Will be watching with you! Blessings & hugs!
Richella says
You’ve chosen just the right words here, Jen. Thank you for sharing your faith with us. It’s good for us all to see how God is working in others’ lives as well as our own. I love the way you’ve chosen to have faith and to experience joy even in the midst of earthly uncertainty. Bless you in your effort to keep your eyes on Him!
shelly says
Thank you…this was just what I needed today! Feeling like the world is caving in, Satan attacking on all fronts, has worn me down. But, an attitude of praise, searching for God in the everyday, seems to be the antidote! I can’t tell you how much my heart has been lifted from this post!
Soni says
Wow…I’m encouraged by your faith. I love your idea of “God Watch” instead of dwelling. I can’t wait to see the hand of God move in your home 🙂
Alanna says
I just discovered your blogs. Interesting how true this is – this God Watch idea. My husband and I have just entered month 9 of his unemployment and have found ourselves on the exact same trek – of God Watching – lately. Even this weekend, he said to me, “when we write down all the things that God has been doing in our lives lately, make sure we list the car.” A whole lot of work got done on the car this weekend – we were blessed much – and it only cost $86. It was a God moment. Glad to have discovered your blog. I’m still trying to figure out the whole process of how blogs work, but I’ve enjoyed the read.
Sharon D says
My husband and I have been on our own personal God Watch for over a year. It is amazing to step back and watch at times. After 17 months of unemployment, the transmission going out on our car and adding two more grandchildren to our already crowded apartment, it became aparent that God was taking us on a new journey. It has been a time to hunker down in His Word and continually praise Him for all He has done. I don’t know where you are now Jen on your own God Watch, but hang in there and enjoy the journey.