Waiting for something far more valuable

The other day my husband got out of our car and walked over to my side and said, ‘I don’t want you to freak out, okay?’ Now let’s be honest, who would not have the natural reaction to actually freak out after that, but I calmly said, ‘Okay, what?’ He went on to tell me that it looks like someone broke into our car and stole our change bin. Now we had this change bin in our center console that probably totaled a sum of $5 or so-not all that much money, but it was a little tough thinking that someone got into our car. So after reminding myself to stay calm, my amazing husband starting talking about how he prays the money blessed that person and that God can use this to His glory, etc, etc. Pretty awesome response huh? Well I didn’t exactly response as Godly, ha. I was saying things like, what if they broke into the garage and stole it, maybe they took something else, blah blah blah. And my husband’s response really got me thinking, he said-the person who probably stole this just needed something quick, they didn’t take the time to look around and get something that could have been worth more, they just wanted that immediate cash.

I reason why this thief got me thinking was because God revealed something to me in that moment. How often do we just get our quick fix from God and think, ‘that’s all I need’. Rather than putting in the time and effort to find something far more valuable. Now I understand it is weird to compare this stealing circumstance to our faith, but just hear me out.

We live in such a ‘right now’ society. We want that immediate response to make us feel better in that moment, but how long would that moment really last? Like how far is that $5 really going to get that person in life? Not far, but it probably did suffice some immediate need. How many times to do we go to God when we have a problem, He fixes it, and we go on with our life without Him again? Yes, our God is a gracious God that loves His children and will do anything for them, but how disappointing knowing that God could, and usually does, have something far more valuable for us if we were only to take the time to spend it with him.

I spent a lot of my years following God with that mentality, the one where I only go to God when I really needed him, otherwise I could do everything else on my own. It wasn’t until things out of my control were taken from me and I was faced with a choice. I could see God as an unloving, mean father, or one that has a bigger, greater plan for His children and that we needed to chase after that. It took a long time for me to get to that place of contentment with Him. I am still working on that place of contentment, but the more time I spend with God, the more peace I feel in life. The funny thing is that His word tells us that over and over again. “Cast your cares on Him and He will give you peace.” So why is that so hard for us to do?

The reason-because we have to trust in God’s timing, not ours. God isn’t about making things convenient for us all the time. He’s about His kingdom and His glory.  It’s not about us, it’s about Him. The more we can have that mentality, the easier it becomes to sit in His presence for as long as he calls us to.  We cannot know exactly what is around the corner for us, but we can know that when God is leading us, it will be good. It takes hard work and discipline, but when we chose to take the time and effort to pursue our Creator and His plan for us, it will be far more valuable than the immediate gratification we so often want. Good things come to those who wait right? Even if that waiting period is years, God still knows your heart’s desire and dreams for your life. Trust him with those things and allow his presence to transform you to something far more valuable. Praying for you all today!