“Come OOOOONNNN!” my ten-year-old griped at me this morning when we were getting out of the car and heading for school. (Usually that’s my line, but he was the one in a hurry this morning.) I answered with HIS usual line, “I’m coming! Sheesh!” (“Sheesh” seems to be his favorite word lately. I don’t really know what it means, but I hear it a lot.)
He turned and gave me a smirk. “C’mon is the magic word, you know.”
I may have snapped at him a little when I responded, “I thought the magic word was ‘please,’ not ‘come on.’
He shook his head. “No, you didn’t say it right. C’MONNNN!’ That’s the magic word. It gets things done.”
I pondered that the rest of the day. How often do I whine at my kids, “C’MON!” It seems like we’re always in a rush these days. Get ready for school, get to school, get home from school, eat dinner, do your homework, do your vision therapy practice, practice your instrument, get ready for bed, go to sleep.” It’s exhausting when you think about it. And my kids aren’t even into sports. I pity my friends who have to endure endless team practices.
What’s worse is that I whine the same thing to God. “C’mon God! I’ve waited long enough! What’s taking you so long? How many times do I have to ask you?”
I’ve mentioned in this blog before that God has been impressing a specific verse on me for months now. Psalm 37:4. Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Unfortunately I’ve gotten a little whiny about it lately. “How long, God? How many more days? How much more waiting?” I’m like a kid waiting for Christmas. I know it’s coming, but the waiting is getting painful. “How long” is a common refrain in the Psalms. David often asked God, “How long?” My favorite is Psalm 13:1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? The book of Psalms really puts into words our human feelings and frailties, doesn’t it?
Somehow I don’t think “C’mon” is the magic word when it comes to God.
Just like I answered my son today, I think God is saying, “Wait, I’m coming, I’m coming. Be patient.” God doesn’t “run late.” He always has a reason for His timing. Time was His invention. So no matter how many times I say, “C’MONNNNN, God,” I don’t think it will change His timing. I need to learn to be patient and not run ahead of Him. I need to walk at His side, my hand in His.
Maybe the real magic word is “wait.”
What if you don’t know what you are waiting for?
That’s a tough one. But I think sometimes He calls us to wait and spend time with Him. Then He will surprise us. I’m doing a Beth Moore bible study about the disciple John, and she highlights Mark 3:14 — (talking about the apostles) “that they may be with him and that He might send them out.” Our only task is to be with Him. It’s His job (and timing) to send us out.
So if we aren’t waiting we should just be.
Is that what you mean?
Well, I’m writing only from my own perspective. I have a strong sense that God is moving me toward something big in my life. I’m champing at the bit to get going on it. But I feel like He is asking me to wait on His timing. This is all “feelings” which is very subjective. But I am praying and studying His word, trying to be open to His leading. I’m not telling YOU to wait. I can’t tell you what you should be doing because I don’t know His plan for you. Sometimes God isn’t asking us to wait. Sometimes He’s telling us to “Go!” All we can do is try to be at the center of His will as best we can. I believe we find that through studying His word and being in prayer.
Wait, go, be, stay–sheesh! Clarity would be nice!! I envy your sense of purpose.
BD
Too funny! I thought that might be you. Makes it sound like dog training. Sit, stay, good dog. I bet we’re a whole lot tougher to train. Honestly, I’ve only felt this clarity a few times in my life, the rest of the time I’m very confused! 🙂
Good 😉
Confusion builds character–I should know–I’m quite the character!
Wait does not seem as easy or fun, but unfortunately it does seem to work out the best with His plan. :O)