Jeremiah 22:11 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Do you ever wish you could ask God for directions like you do your GPS? You know something like, “Hey God, I need directions to the next big life event I need to get to?”
“Hey God, I need directions to the next big life event I need to get to?”
In of which, God would reply with some great plan ready for you to print out or keep on your phone with voice commands giving you directions. Yes, even the occasional “RECALCULATING” when we take a wrong turn. Thank goodness, God allows U-turns!
I am sure this isn’t some big news flash for any of us, but God does come with GPS, God’s Planned Steps. The only difference between his GPS and what Siri has to offer us is we don’t always get to see the entire journey mapped out ahead. Sure he gives us directions along the way. We see lots of guidance and directions in the bible:
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
These are all directions of things we are suppose to do in life along our journey. But what about the direction of “Wait”.
Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. Ps 27:14
I mean, I don’t know about you but waiting is not my favorite thing to do. I am a mover and go-er. Sometimes I would almost rather be doing the wrong thing than just waiting around and doing nothing. Wait a second (sorry, no pun intended), “wait” is something. “Wait” is an action verb.
In her book, Wait and See, Wendy Pope points out, “We all have to allow God to do a work in us before he can do a work through us.” Many times the working in us looks a lot like waiting because we can’t see the whole map.
It is in those moments of waiting we start to question God. We reach out and ask for directions just like you ask your GPS, only we seem to hear nothing. We have to remember our GPS, God’s Planned Steps, aren’t broken during this wait. It isn’t even recalculating. “Waiting” is the direction. It is a pre-planned, mapped out direction on this journey.
So instead of looking at it as doing nothing or your GPS is broken because it isn’t telling you anything, think of it as the part of the journey when Siri pops up and says, “For the next 150 miles continue on Route 66.” You are still traveling, I promise! And when it is time for you to take an exit or make a turn, God’s voice will pop up because he knows the plans he has for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 22:11 (NIV)
Be blessed, enjoy the ride and have a safe journey!
Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.
I enjoyed reading your thoughts here. I agree, waiting is not easy, and I also like to be able to see the whole route ahead and know where I’m going, but I am gradually learning to trust God and walk step by step with him. I read Wendy Pope’s book last year and found it really helpful!