Today we live with a “just do it” mentality. Time is money, so the quicker we move, the sooner and more money we stand to make. Right? Not always. Life will often teach us that we can spin our wheels for naught; then be forced to make adjustments backwards (at a greater cost) because no matter what we seem to do, something just doesn’t seem to allow much forward motion; or bear the fruit we expect. In many cases that “something” is God.
RELEVANCE
While we always must walk forward, pressing towards our goals, sometimes God has us in a “holding pattern.” There are various reasons. Maybe He has things under control and we need to just be patient. Maybe a time will come when things are more rightly aligned for a shift in direction or advance forward. Hence, a discerning person seeks to come into alignment with God’s purposes, and seek the Holy Spirit for wisdom. See what God has to say about it:
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
“And a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment, because for every matter there is a time and judgment” (Ecclesiastes 8:5-6).
“When I choose the proper time, I will judge uprightly” (Psalm 75:2).
There is a story in Luke 8 about Jesus being asleep in a boat while a storm is raging, filling the boat with water. His disciples, froth with fear, wake Him, needing Him to immediately act. He arises and rebukes the wind. After it ceases, He surprises them with this question: “Where is your faith?”
They were in the boat with Him. They were in His presence. There was no reason to fear the winds. He had hoped they would have more faith and rest in His presence– be at peace.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Have you counted the cost of waiting vs. moving forward in a new direction?
Are there things which can be done to strengthen your current posture or position?
Are you more afraid to wait and be still or advance forward?
REFERENCES
1 Samuel 13:8-14; Psalm 27:1-14; 37:3-40; Isaiah 40:28-31; Acts 27:1-44