What's The Rush?

It's amazing how quickly we can get ahead of God. In this, go fast; go now, go faster world, how do you suddenly change gears, or more seemingly, come to a sudden arboreal stop. The world says GO! God says, Wait. Like a school crossing guard making us hold our place on the street corner for much longer than it appears to us to be necessary.

I pondered this yesterday, as I thought about some friends, and a decision they have been praying over and waiting patiently on now for months. I want to say it's been since November or so, because they knew a decision could take a few and it's been a few more on top of that. Last week, they got the answer to prayer they had been waiting to hear. This was followed up, by another significant change that is now pending in their lives.

As they brought this need to the attention of a small group of friends via social media, I simply commented, that God had come through on the other matter, even though it took much longer than was comfortable; and as such, God had a hand on this "new" dilemma and would provide wisdom and direction.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in life... notifications going off. Where are you? Are you there yet? Where are you now? We don't consider God asking such questions of us, but if you've been on the receiving end, you know after a while, they can take their toll on your day. Yet, we don't hesitate to offer these questions to God, as if we could hustle Him along.

Little did I know (or perhaps, recall) that Pastor was starting a new summer series on Wednesday nights, of which last night was part 1. On finding purpose, from the life of Joseph, he started with an overview of Joseph's story. Towards the close of the devotional, he pointed out something incredibly profound in the life of Joseph. In Genesis 37, where in one chapter, Joseph goes from favorite son to a sold slave, covered up by a fake death story instead of his cherished coat; if you look closely in that chapter, God is nowhere to be mentioned.

In all that transpires in that chapter, Joseph isn't seeking answers for his frustration and demise. He maintains through all of it, "God's got this. God's got me. And He will use this; all of it, for His glory." Which is pretty much His answer at the end of his story when His brothers plead for mercy.

A powerful reminder: God is not rushed. Why are you?

Pray this #deaconThursday, for deacons and church leaders feeling the pressure and temptation to succumb to hurry and rushed decisions and actions. Pray a quiet confidence that God has things under control, even when it appears is not even in the picture as things transpire and situations unfold before our eyes. May their resolve to trust in God regardless of what they see remain in tact and firm. Pray they continually seek the face of God waiting steadfast for His direction, as His bird's eye view sees all that we face and not just the 30-50 feet of life we capture from a crowded street view. May they experience grace for their missteps; may the trust God for the miraculous, despite others failures against us. Pray we watch with anticipation, how God will bring it all together for His glory and Honor.

For the cause of Jesus Christ
For the advancement of the kingdom of God.

- PNC

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