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Patience is required when growing an oak tree

guest posts law of gestation spiritual beliefs Aug 28, 2019

by Ann Ferguson

I have children and a husband who are not interested in learning about the Laws of Thought. They’ve resisted every nudge I’ve made to read The Jackrabbit Factor or to explore the power of these principles.

It’s frustrating. I want to share this quest—this beautiful, miraculous journey of co-creating a magnificent life. But when no one wants to join me, I have to lean on the Law of Gestation to keep from spinning into unproductive frustration. If I forget, I can spiral into loneliness, discouragement, and behaviors that don’t serve anyone. The truth is, it is hard to feel alone in something that lights me up so much. When visions I’ve held in faith begin to materialize and miracles unfold before my eyes, I want to celebrate them with the people I love. But to them, it’s just luck or coincidence.

When someone I love faces a challenge—like a job loss—and I suggest visualizing their ideal next step, only to be brushed off, it drives me a little crazy. I know these laws work. I’ve tested them over and over again. To my family, though, I’m just a little "woo-woo." And that kind of dismissal stings.

One quote I come back to often is: "Nothing in nature rushes, yet everything is accomplished." It reminds me that my family is walking at the pace and rhythm that is right for them. Their timing is perfect for their journey. God is holding them just as securely as He’s holding me. When they’re ready, they’ll find what they need—even if it’s not through what I offer.

Still, I’ve noticed something humbling: when I feel frustrated, dismissed, or lonely, it’s often because I’m trying to control things that were never mine to control. I get irritated, even with God, because He’s not doing things my way. Sometimes I frame my longing as love for others, but if I’m honest, there are moments when it’s really about me—about wanting my way, on my timeline. That’s not easy to admit.

Thankfully, I know God loves me even when my motives aren’t quite as noble as I want them to be. He gently shows me the truth and invites me to look back. And when I do, I see it: the evidence of His help all along the way. And that realization pulls me back into gratitude and peace.

Like last spring.

I asked my husband—again—if he’d consider joining the Mindset Mastery course. His response? Jaw clenched. A groan. Blank stare at the microwave. Silence thick enough to cut with a knife.

I tried to keep my tone light. "Based on that groan, your body language, and your lack of an answer, I’m guessing that’s a no. Never mind."

Then I walked away, doing my best not to let the wave of rejection pull me under. Deep breath. God is his God too. He’s okay. I’m okay. Not wrong, just different.

But the self-talk wasn’t cutting it.

I retreated into my bathroom, drew a bath, and cried.

"Heavenly Father," I whispered through sobs, "this is a righteous desire. I want a partner to share this with. We could do so much good together. I’ve been trying so hard to walk this path of rare faith. Why won’t you help me? You can—why don’t you?"

Eventually, the tears subsided. In the stillness, a memory surfaced.

Thirteen years ago, I was in the tub, crying.  I was begging Heavenly Father for help. “Please,” I plead, “Why won’t you help me? My request is a righteous desire.  I need your help. How long do I have to wait before you bless me?” I wanted my husband to pray with me at night. I had dreamed of the experience of kneeling with my partner to petition heaven together since I was a child. Every time I asked if my husband would join me he was resistant and became emotionally withdrawn. I was lonely; he felt controlled.  It was a silent power struggle.  Win/lose  That was the game we were playing and I wanted it to change. 

But something had shifted. For the past four years, we have prayed together every night. No resistance. No power struggle. I barely noticed when it became our norm. But it had. My prayer had been answered—and I almost missed it.

As that realization washed over me, I felt a deep peace. God had moved in His perfect timing. He had honored both my desire and my husband’s agency. Just like He honors mine.

That moment renewed my hope. The Law of Gestation was at work again.

I started seeing my husband not as stubborn or resistant—but as a mighty oak in the making. Growth doesn’t always look flashy. Some things grow like cucumber plants—quickly and visibly. Others, like the oak, grow slowly and steadily, their strength building over time. One gives fruit in 70 days. The other gives shade for generations.

There’s a gestation period for everything. And when I take time to notice, I see growth is happening. My husband is becoming. God is hearing me.

So when the frustration creeps back in, I ask the Lord to show me again. Where have my prayers already been answered? Where has He seen me, helped me, nurtured me? And sure enough, the evidence appears.

That’s when peace returns. That’s when I can breathe and trust and wait. That’s when hope shines through.

And just so you know the rest of the story—

I let go of my timeline and trusted the process. Little by little, my husband stopped resisting. Last night, he attended his first Mindset Mastery class.

Thank you, Father. Thank you for hearing me. Thank you for honoring him. I’m so excited for what’s on its way.

_________________

  •   To discover how to start choosing more effectively now, read The Jackrabbit Factor (FREE!)  
  •   If you want more step-by-step guidance on creating the life you really want, join me in the Mindset Mastery program.
  •   If you want my help overcoming that giant obstacle right in front of you, learn more and sign up for Genius Bootcamp.
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