Waiting on God

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12

Because of erosion, the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was in peril of washing into the Atlantic Ocean. So Congress appropriated $12 million for the National Park service to move it 2900 feet to safety. 

With a combination of care, expertise, patience and raw power, The Expert House Movers of Sharptown, Maryland moved the 208 foot tall, 9.7 million pound structure to its current home. The option of moving the lighthouse was first proposed in April of 1982, but the light wasn’t lit at its new location until November 13, 1999. 17 years of study and 23 days of moving later. Why did it take so long? 

Because big moves take time. So often we want God to make huge sweeping changes in our lives overnight. What God is sometimes doing is making changes inch by inch over time. The result will come... and God knows where the best place for us to end up is (and the best time for us to get there). We just have to stay patient and allow Him to work in our lives.

Other times, we put God on our timetable and feel like He’s taking forever to do anything.

“God, I’ve been praying for this for three weeks... two years.... 15 years... and nothing’s happened yet!”

Found yourself saying these things? I have. But sometimes, the change you are looking for in the situation is actually a change that is happening in you. God knows what’s best for us. Sometimes it isn’t what we are asking Him for. We would be better served allowing the trial to make us stronger and more patient for future challenges.

We pray...

When the answer is “yes” we tend to be happy with God.

When the answer is “no” we tend to be angry with God.

When the answer is “wait” we tend to try to hurry God.

Or maybe worse... we try to take God out of the equation completely. Why wait? When we get impatient we follow bad advice, do things we wouldn’t normally do, and begin to doubt that God knows what He is doing.

If you find yourself challenged in the area of patience, remember... God knows how what you are asking Him to do ends up. He knows what’s best for you and the exact right way to put everything into motion.

Resist the urge to put your faith in a microwave... we can’t speed up God. His actions in your life will be purposeful, complete, and done at the perfect time... stay patient and wait... I’ll be praying for you as you do.

On Board

I once read a story about a young naval ensign on his first assignment.   He was given the responsibility of preparing the ship for launch… and he was nervous.  Remembering everything he’d learned in training, the young sailor yelled commands and readied the vessel for the voyage.  He accomplished his tasks in record time… and with a proud voice… gave the order to leave the dock.  Soon after they were out into open water, the ensign received a message.  It was from the captain.  It read “My personal congratulations upon completing your underway preparation exercise according to the book and with amazing speed. But next time, you might wait until your captain is aboard before setting off.”

Oops… Ever make that mistake?  Have you ever been so anxious and excited that you forgot to put first things first?  Many do… In fact, many take off and do things in their lives without waiting for God to be a part of it.  Isaiah 40:31 says to do otherwise:  “But they who wait upon the Lord will get new strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weak.”   Is it ok to be excited?  Ready?  Prepared to set the direction for our lives?  Yes!  However, if we do so without making sure God is onboard first, we will grow tired and quickly drift off course.   Seek God first.  Wait on Him to answer.  And then proceed… and it will be smooth sailing the whole way. 

Wait?

Are you waiting for God to be generous in your life?  Begin the habit of giving with the right heart...  Paul said, “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Cor. 9:7  

Are you waiting for God to answer your prayer?  Remember that His timing is always perfect... He is never late... or early... or forgetful.  Sometimes the answer is wait a little longer... I have something better than you can imagine.  Jesus said, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”  Matthew 7:7

Are you waiting to have the time?  Do you have more duties than daylight?  Remember, you have the same 24 hours a day that the disciples had... that Einstein had... that everyone who has ever lived on planet Earth had.. it’s what you do with those precious minutes that matters!  Paul said, “Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” Ephesians 5:16

The situation may never be perfect.  You may never feel adequately prepared.  You may think your under equipped, ill-resourced, and the wrong person for the job.  You’re in good company:

Jonah, Moses, Gideon, Rahab, Esther... the list goes on... 

But today, God has tapped you on the shoulder.  He wants you to make that positive change in your life.  Share your story with your office.  Defuse the situation with your family.   Be the husband or wife you were designed to be.  Give your child another chance.  Move forward...no, leap forward.  

Today… refuse to live the life you think you deserve and start living the one you were created for.  

The situation may not look perfect... but don’t wait.  God’s got your back.  

Wait for the Captain

I once read a story about a young naval ensign on his first assignment.   He was given the responsibility of preparing the ship for launch… and he was nervous.  Remembering everything he’d learned in training, the young sailor yelled commands and readied the vessel for the voyage.  He accomplished his tasks in record time… and with a proud voice… gave the order to leave the dock.  Soon after they were out into open water, the ensign received a message.  It was from the captain.  It read “My personal congratulations upon completing your underway preparation exercise according to the book and with amazing speed. But next time, you might wait until your captain is aboard before setting off.”

Oops… Ever make that mistake?  Have you ever been so anxious and excited that you forgot to put first things first?  Many do… In fact, many take off and do things in their lives without waiting for God to be a part of it.  Isaiah 40:31 says to do otherwise:  “But they who wait upon the Lord will get new strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weak.”   Is it ok to be excited?  Ready?  Prepared to set the direction for our lives?  Yes!  However, if we do so without making sure God is onboard first, we will grow tired and quickly drift off course.   Seek God first.  Wait on Him to answer.  And then proceed… and it will be smooth sailing the whole way.