August 22, 2008
I Want Answers... Now!
by Laura MacCorkle, Crosswalk.com Senior Entertainment Editor
In his heart, a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9, NIV
Living in the Information Age, we're so used to getting what we want as soon as we want it.
We're becoming more and more accustomed to not having to wait for anything, as instant gratification is the norm in many areas of our lives...
- A gourmet, meat-and-three meal ready in less than three minutes from the microwave oven. Check.
- Instant text messages sent directly to our handheld communication devices. Check.
- Mobile phone reception and extensive coverage wherever we may travel. Check.
- Wireless Internet access so we can log on whenever and wherever we want. Check.
- A new group of "friends" in an online social network who we don't really have to spend time with in order to call friends. Check.
Can you relate? God forbid that we should ever have to wait on something, because that's when the real whining and the complaining kick in. I should know.
I've been struggling with a ongoing, clear-as-mud life situation that has got me journaling and praying and reading and discussing up a storm. I don't understand what God is doing, and I want answers and a flow-chart of how this will all be worked out. Now. Right now.
I want to plan my course and make something happen. Move the situation along, if I can. And get the results that I think should be gotten for me. On my time schedule.
Not long after I have a mental outburst such as this, I am immediately convicted. And I know that this is not the right way to respond. How must God interpret this type of thinking? Does he lovingly shake his head and murmur, "Oh, my sweet child. Someday she'll learn." Or perhaps I disappoint him because I cannot trust in him without struggling with my desire to first know all the steps he's planning for me to get from Point A to Point Z.
While flipping through my Bible this week, I found that the words of Psalms 145:3-7 have helped me to see this struggle in a different light:
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
His greatness no one can fathom.
One generation will commend your works to another;
They will tell of your mighty acts.
They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
After reading this passage, I was reminded that it doesn't matter that I understand what is going on in the world. Or in my world. It doesn't matter that I can't control what is or isn't happening in the world. Or in my world. What matters is that I know and profess that God is great. And that he is good. Period.
Why even try to struggle with a sovereign God? He alone is worthy of our praise and of our adoration. Why not just immediately respond with celebration for who he is? Why not just surrender and rest in him? For his answers for our lives are never late and always arrive at the right time.
Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you wrestling with God, as Jacob did at Peniel (Gen. 32)? It is God-not you-who holds your destiny in his hands. Ask him to help you take one day at a time as you trust in him and submit to the "mighty acts" that he wants to accomplish in your life.
Further Reading: