Between Worlds; Seeking direction and wisdom from God

We have had two major snow storms in the past couple of weeks.  People are walking around still traumatized by their encounters with serious need as the power outages were massive and took at least 13 days plus, to begin to restore power.  It has been bitterly cold. Most people did not have enough to eat. And transportation anywhere was impossible as trees and downed wires blocked roads and produced new hazards.

"For Thou, Lord, art good and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee." Ps 86:5 
   
Do you ever feel like you have to "fight God" to wrest the answers to the requests you bring to him? Do you feel like you've sinned too much to "call upon the name of the Lord?" This verse addresses all of that. He is good. He is merciful. He is forgiving. But there is one condition --you have to call upon him. That means prayer. If you don't pray, don't expect him to read your mind and give you what you want/need. "You have not because you ask not." (James 4:2 c). And in order to take full benefit from his forgiveness, you must first confess and repent (which means "to change direction"). Trust then that he will respond according to his character and according to his promises.

Exo. 14:13 -15

 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. ¹⁴ The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”¹⁵ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!"

 Vs. 15 always makes me laugh.   Isn't that just like us? In our anxiety we plead and beg for an answer in our favor and we fail to discern that "all  God's promises are 'yes' and 'amen' in Him." God gets tired of our begging.  "You  have what you want, just shut up and go to it!"

Now they are forecasting a third Nor'easter to arrive Tues-Wed sometime and predictions are grim. However according to the National Weather Services' site, they predict that the most reliable and likely models show the storm passing to the south of us.  

Now, my great need for wisdom is this:

My husband is getting carpal tunnel surgery on Monday...he will not be able to operate or maneuver our generator  or to fill it with gas.  I certainly can't do it.  My husband really needs this surgery.  Do we go ahead and trust God to work it out? Or do we play it safe and postpone it for some other time?   And secondly, do I stock up on food that doesn't require cooking?  The first storm (Riley) cost us a LOT of money in lost food.  How do I prepare for this?  

I've spent the morning in prayer and as these following references came to mind, I do feel that we should go ahead with out plans.  If the power goes out without a generator our basement will flood as we need the electric sump pump to keep water out, unless God moves and keeps the basement dry. But I have quite a strong assurance that all will be well.  And today, this assurance is reinforced by the fact that the forecasts are much more positive.

Exodus 32:13-14

¹³ Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You bound yourself with an oath to them, saying, ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars of heaven. And I will give them all of this land that I have promised to your descendants, and they will possess it forever.’”
¹⁴ So the Lord changed his mind about the terrible disaster he had threatened to bring on his people. (relented)

Remind God of his character, promises and activity on behalf of those walked closely with him…as he has blessed them and honored their obedience, ask him to do the same for you.

This passage (above) is one of  the greatest accounts of intercession between man and God.  Moses tells God to spare Israel, even if it means blotting Moses' own name out of the Book of Life.  He reminds God of all his promises and his fame on Earth as a loving, holy God and that God should not harm his reputation by destroying his people and breaking his promises to them and to Moses. And because of Moses' prayer, God relents and agrees not to obliterate them...
   
James 1:5-6 (NASB)

⁵ But if any of you lacks wisdom*, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

This is not about asking for wisdom as some vague character trait.  It is asking God for specific guidance…and the faith without doubts is threefold:

1)    Faith that the answer will come.

2)    That we actually HAVE been guided (once we have)… iow: recognize that God has spoken

3)    Faith that God’s guidance is sure…that what he says will happen, will happen.

*wisdom: from the Greek, sofros - expertise in the matters of life, schedule, plans, advice.

It also means divine, understanding and knowledge.  And it is true that as you deal with God on an earthly level..such as what to do in emergencies, major decisions etc, as you receive guidance and constantly see God keeping his word--then you will also grow in spiritual wisdom and depth as a result of seeing God at work. And this will result in growth in your faith, inspired by his continuing responsiveness to your need.

Don't go it alone.  There is a loving father/God waiting and wanting to help.  Ask for help and then trust that you have it (read Jas 1:5 -6 again).  Do not fail to repent as is necessary to put these promises into effect. This is a critical step.

Vaya con dios, my friends.  Stay warm and dry.