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 youngest children, 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.”
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