Time Out!

I get frustrated, impatient, and irritated. I get tired and weary! How many people feel this way about their lives? Overwhelmed with challenges, burned out by long hours and pressure; restless about family and financial burdens. I know I’m not alone, all of us have encountered these human emotions and feel justified. If left untreated, we can have the tendency to act out like a child. We become whiny, feel a sense of entitlement and make decisions that can cause chaos.

Did you know that even Jesus became frustrated?

Jesus got a little frustrated with God, (His daddy). He knew he was going to take on the sins of the world, but in the Garden of Gethsemane he said, “Abba, Father… everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me.” (Mark 14:3) 

He asked his daddy to take away the pain he was about to endure. He was overwhelmed and did not want to face the pain and scorn. However, His dad knew that in Jesus’ suffering, much would be accomplished. Jesus had to go through this painful period for His life mission to be accomplished.

When facing difficulty, we try to use our common sense which is not faith. And when our common sense fails, that’s when we lose heart. Can you trust Jesus even when your common sense cannot trust Him? When life is going well for you, it’s easy to say, “Oh yes, I believe God can do it.” But when your faith is tested, you begin to act out: you become snappy towards the ones closest to you, you say things that are downright mean. Well, my friend, it’s time for a Time Out. Waiting on God challenges our faith but also presents opportunities to grow it as well!

When storms come our way, we often forget some of the most important promises that God made. He said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

I have never doubted that God’s plan is the best plan for my life, but I don’t always like it, especially when I’m in the season of “wait & trust the process,” even when the process seem to be years in the making. Sometimes a rebellion rises up within me and it’s so unattractive, especially as a middle-aged woman! I’m embarrassed to admit it, but it’s true! I get anxious about where Christ is taking my life and I want to (on most days) rush the process.

Recently, my husband and I came together to read the Bible before bed. What I took away from our conversation and Bible reading is that we have to TRUST God even more!

I had to repent to God for feeling entitled because I could not get what I wanted and when I wanted it. Well, conviction wove its way through my heart and made me feel so bad for the way I’d been acting over the past week. It’s not easy giving up my selfish desires but I’m willing to do it because ultimately I want to follow God’s plan and accomplish His purpose.

Dear Lord, it’s easy to honor You with my carefully thought-through actions but sometimes much harder with my reactions. Help me slow down and consider other people’s feelings, in particular, those who are closest to me so that Your love and patience will be the spillover from my heart. Help me to trust and not worry and become anxious and angry. I’m taking this time out to trust you more and to trust the process. Help me not to grow weary and please forgive me for having a sense of entitlement. Let me focus on the daily blessings you bring to me! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.