The “W” Word

2 Corinthians 5:7  For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Over the span of, I would say at least 15 years, God will bring me to a point where I believe He is doing some particular thing at that very moment, and instead, I hear Him whisper to my spirit one word. “Wait”.

Sometimes like a three year old, I stomp my foot and demand to know “WHY?” And others although shamefully, I admit, fewer times, I will stay where I am and submit to God’s will.

I have thought a lot about this waiting issue lately. And I want to share what I believe God has shown me through some things going on right now.

When God gives us a command in His word, they are not always with promises attached to them. Example: The first 4 commandments in Exodus 20.

” Thou Shalt Have No other gods before me.”

“Thou shalt not make any graven images.”

“Thou shalt not take my name in vain”

“Keep the Sabbath Day Holy”

 

 

Why, wouldn’t He give a promise with these? I don’t know for sure, but I believe the main theme in these commandments is establishing, “I am God, you are NOT, so do as I say, NOT as you are so inclined to do!”  What is the bottom line?

 HE IS.

However, we do see many, many stories and commands that are like this, “Obedience=Blessing”.  But, what about the times when obedience goes against every nerve in our body, all the fibers of our flesh are demanding the promise before the act of obedience?  I liken it to this; If I tell my 16 year old son, Nekoda, to “go mow the grass, and after that we will go to Lake Charles Music”, where he loves to just hang out and play instruments, if he turns to me, and ask me “when?”, my first response will most likely be, “After you do what I just told you to do.” Now, If he stops halfway during the mowing, comes inside and asks me again, “When?”, what do you think my answer will be? Right! Same as the first. But, here is the deal, if he decides to stomp his foot and demand an answer or perhaps, demand to go to LCM first, guess what I am likely to do? YEP! “

We aren’t going, you will still obey and now you have to wait longer for the blessing that follows this obedience.”

 

Most of us I think get this principle, but  I wonder how many times, our rebellious, sinful, childlike, flesh gets us into trouble and delays the blessing of our Heavenly Father.

You see, this is what I believe, WAIT does not usually mean, we sit around with our hands folded, pouting, until He gives us the blessing. No, Wait, I believe means, “Deanna, You do what you know to do, do not throw a fit, keep obeying, keep believing, that I am faithful to my word, and I will, when I believe you are mature enough to handle the blessing, give it to you with all of my wisdom!” 

 

OH LORD, May I learn this, teach me, to use the time to obey with joy knowing that you wait with me, and love to watch me grow in my faith with You!