Today as I was trying to post a comment online, I realized I have difficulty being patient. I thought I had submitted my comment, but when nothing appeared I resubmitted it only to find I now had two similar comments pending. I would love to say my impatience was due to a sudden influx of estrogen, but the issue is not a new one for me. If something doesn’t move fast enough, I click again. You can imagine how many pages internet explorer ends up opening before I finally realize the problem is not the computer. Hence the decision to let my husband rule the keyboard if we’re working on a computer project together. Doing so makes for a more pleasant experience for him and enables me surrender my control issues to the Lord.
In light of my desire to get things done and see things happen now, I am not only reminded of God’s patience with me but also of His desire to set the pace. When I have been struggling to discern the voice of God, I have often quoted John 10:27 which says, “My sheep know my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” However, as I was reading in John 10 the other day, I saw verse 4 in a new way. It reads, “after he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they recognize his voice” (emphasis added).
When I’m facing something difficult, I love the security of knowing God goes before me (Deut 1:30, 31:8). I don’t mind hanging back to follow Him if the territory is unsure, but what about when I’m looking forward with anticipation or when I think I see clearly? While thinking about this verse, I was reminded of the times I have acted (or reacted) of my own accord and later prayed to ask God’s blessing on the decision I had already made. Forgiveness is not better than permission.
Following isn’t easy. It involves watchfulness, as well as a decision not to be willful. To its core, following requires patience because it demands trust. If I truly want to follow, I have to make the choice not to walk ahead.
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Sean on March 14, 2009 at 8:27 pm
So many times I run ahead of God. This only leads to frustration in my life and for others too. Your reminder that we need to listen for the voice of the Shepherd nails it. For when I patiently and prayerfully wait for His leading, the results are not forced and the lasting effect is to His glory. In one particular situation, something I tried to rush took nearly ten years to come to fruition, but it is so much better than what I could have dreamed. Thank you Jesus for saving us from selves!
regina franklin on March 16, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Marvin William’s devo today on “unity and humility” struck a chord with me. I think one of the places where waiting to follow the Lord’s lead is most difficult is in my relationships with others. I found it interesting to see how these two connect. I like what you said about “the results are not forced and the lasting effect is to His glory.” I am deeply burdened for a friend but need God’s timing and motives to share with her. I’m waiting to follow, prayerfully with the motive of “unity and humility.”