Transformational Thought
Whether it relates to food, finances, sex, an upcoming vacation, my favorite sporting event, holidays, events with my wife or daughters, my schedule for the day, my strategy for dealing with a stressor or conflict or plans to navigate a relationship obstacle … waiting to see what happens sometimes seems frustrating and unfair. I want to know what is going to happen, and I want to know now. Killing time and being patient to see whether my “needs” or “expert” solutions will actually occur or whether I have to accept someone else’s plan (who obviously doesn’t know or care about me as much as I do) is sometimes a tortuous struggle. My self-control over my knee-jerk impulses is put to a significant test. Regrettably, I often fail to be patient, because “my way is the best way.” Oh, and let’s make it happen. Now!
Wow! So many views and beliefs (that I know everything, have the best plans, know my needs, love me the most, to name a few) within that first paragraph were creative twists and distortions of the truth. We all fall into the trap of believing or assuming them to be true at times. We are especially gullible when we are under pressure, but in the moment, we totally believe them. Left to my own understanding, using my old crappy lenses to view life, my ability to assess present situations is faulty, especially when I just go with my “gut” response.
You see, we live in a microwave society that says, “Give it to me right away,” “I want all my needs met immediately,” “Give me a sign that they will be met soon.” Now is not quick enough for most people. In this hurried world, it’s very difficult to let God set the pace. It’s not easy to accept His wisdom and decisions, then wait for His plans to play out.
We need to slow down the merry-go-round of our life by examining it through God’s lenses. Accept that God’s timing is perfect. Understand that a delayed response to your request does not mean “no” forever. But if “no” is the answer you do get, believe that God is really saying, “No, because I love you and I have something for you that’s better than what you asked for.” Just like waiting for a plant to bear great fruit, time is necessary for all the right outcomes to happen in a situation.
Today, instead of being impatient, frustrated or wallowing in self-pity, be excited about the “something better” that God has in store for you or has already given you. Be patient with His timing and accept His wisdom about your request and your true need. Examine the glitches in your plan and identify what the Perfect Teacher is teaching you today. Whether you accept God’s answer or you impose your own faulty agenda, it’s your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, through this renewed intimacy with You, I am developing patience to accept Your wisdom for my situation. For far too long, I have been focusing on the outer person; now, I focus on the inner person. I pray that as I increase my focus on You, my Lord, You will transform me into the one You desire me to be. I yield to you, Lord. I do not resist this change, nor do I desire to slow it down or speed it up. I let You set the pace, Lord, for I know Your timing is perfect. I hold your hand, Lord, with childlike trust, just as babies hold their parents’ hands as they learn to walk, step by step. Hold my hand and let me feel and enjoy the tempo of this God-breathed life I am now living. Thank You, Lord. I pray this in the name of the One Who was never rushed, Jesus Christ. And all God’s children say AMEN!
The Truth
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18
Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Psalm 37:3-6
