I have heard it said, and have had it said to me . . . and sometimes it really irks me. I try not to think of myself as impatient but if I'm honest, I know I am. I have been mulling over Beth's comment that we are "being trained in impatience". How many of us walk into Winner's or Costco and buy what we think we might want because we know if we don't, it will be gone when we go back. Am I the only one that has succumbed???
That's a shallow example, I know, but I was reminded yesterday at Missionsfest that we so often live out our faith that way. Several missionaries spoke about the years of sowing before seeing any results and that the expectation in reality is that they may never reap what they have sown. What keeps them going? It's not about them, it's about being faithful to what God called them to do, because He knows the plan.
In this session, we learned a lot about the timing that goes on behind the plan. We learned that:
- all may seem right but it may not be the right time - Esther took the time to fast and pray, to prepare herself . . . then she waited. I love what Beth shared with us from the Midrash that, based on several OT passages, on the 3rd day of a fast there could be an expectation of relief from dire distress (Gen 22:4, Jonah 1:17, Hosea 6:2)
- we need to step aside from requiring that our honor be upheld , , , there is often a much bigger picture - Esther needed the deliverance of a people, not just Haman's head
- there is a power that comes with wisdom and waiting - the timing wasn't right for Haman . . . sometimes God says "let's just see how far this goes."
Finally, the gold nugget for me was at the end and it answered my often asked question – how does a person wait???? Beth shared with us her answer . . . and the answer from the Word – our strength will be depleted when we wait on the THING . . . the EVENT . . . we need to wait on HIM . . .
But those who wait ON THE LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
- Isaiah 40:31 -
Bless you, ladies : )
Hey timing is everything!
ReplyDeleteI think that I too am a patient, but my husband and sons have repeatedly told me I am not. I always chalked it up to the fact that they just didn't understand me. Maybe there is something more to it?
I love the fact that even though Esther has not ever had an encounter with God like many others in the O.T. she still knew it was in her best interest and the interests of the others for her to fast and pray; that is ever a comment we need to take to heart, when we face crisis, hardships, or even direction.
God is faithful, we are not.
We are quick to want God to hurry up and deliever us from our woes, but we do little to exalt Who He is, and give Him the attention that He so deserves, as His children.
Thanks to Esther and Beth I am learning to refocus my attention, to the One Who is Faithful.