Have you ever noticed how children have the ability to make a few minutes seem like a few hours? Because I have eight children, I find myself saying, “Just a minute,” all day long. This is extremely difficult for my five and three year olds, because of course they need everything right now. Whenever I say this they immediately they start the questions, “How long is a minute?” “Has it been five minutes yet?” “I’m hungry!” This last declaration is usually made after I have carefully explained for the millionth time that I am cooking dinner, please stay out of the kitchen and it will be ready in, you guessed it, just a minute.
Confession time. As irritating as this is for me, I find myself being the exact same way with God. “Just a minute God? But I am sure I need it now.” “God, how long is Your minute anyway? I hope it isn’t as long as Your day, I don’t think I can wait a thousand years!” As much as we all talk about time going by way too fast, sometimes it seems to crawl.
When I am in a time of waiting on God, I can start to feel as though nothing is happening. A friend of mine termed it being ‘benched’ by God. I am so sure I have to be doing something to get to where God is taking me. The truth is, as I look back on my sideline times, I can see God growing me in amazing ways that I would have completely missed if I was running around doing things.
When my children are impatiently waiting for something, I usually suggest they read a book or go play with their toys in the Family Room. The times they take me up on my suggestion, I usually have to call to them and they are surprised to find the time has gone by so quickly. It’s the same with me and God. He says that if I seek His will and Kingdom first, all the other things that I need will be added to my life. So as I am waiting, I will take His suggestion and grab the Book and read.
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Joshua 1:8 “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Since I am “benched” with vertigo it is an opportunity to memorize and meditate on his word. Always it is an opportunity for me to pray,
Yes, we so frequently think the “important” work is what we do as we race around through our lives, but God really is calling us to intercession and time with Him!