Skip to main content

Such A Disappointment


          For the Lord of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?” (Isaiah 14:27)

          Before I came north, there were several days in which I had packing to do that I couldn’t do because I would need the items in question before I left. I’m pretty sure I wrote about the “Must do…not yet” problem otherwise known as frustration.
            I had plans for when I came home, and they didn’t include a panic over COVID-19 that would make doing seemingly everything impossible. Oh, it had begun by then, but my plans had already been made. I tried to make plans around the crisis, but the Weather Channel is currently calling for snow in Erie every few days until April 16.
           Yes, I know, I’m in a hurry with the garden. From what I’ve read, the last frost date in Erie is now May 1, and it used to be Memorial Day. It is still one of the tasks that I want to accomplish that I can’t accomplish yet. And don’t get me started on the issues of my book or losing weight. And then there’s the whole “can’t go to church on Easter” thing.
         Yes, like many people, I’m frustrated and disappointed with this spring. I get frustrated and disappointed whenever I have to wait, especially when I have to wait to do something I think – or hope – God wants me to do. “Hurry up …and wait” or “Must do… not yet” are dangerous weapons in the hands of our enemies because they’re so effective at turning us away from God.
           Sometimes, frustration and disappointment lead to anger. How could God be so cruel? Sometimes, they lead to doubt. Did God really say? Does He even really exist? If He does, why does He hate me so much? Isn’t He supposed to meet my needs? Sometimes, it leads to fear. What am I doing wrong?
         Sometimes, they lead to taking action on our own, to help God do what He doesn’t seem capable (or willing) to do Himself. Like Sarah and Abraham, we decide to step in.
           Do you notice? Every normal reaction to frustration and disappointment moves us away from God.
And the answer I hear from God about these things is, “Do you trust Me? Do you trust My timing?” That takes me back to the shield of faith, and to the question of what trust looks like. In this case, it looks like waiting.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"Especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal 6:10)   “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.   By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)           Joshua grinned when he saw Rex standing by the door, studying something on the ground. "Hey, man! Are we ready to do this thing?"          Rex looked up. "Josh, I can't do it. We're still best buds, but I can't stand your fiancée."           I've met "Rex" many times. I've been Rex. Joshua (Jesus) loves the Church. He's not a fool. He knows the Church is far from perfect, but she is His chosen bride. The Rexes of this world, who think themselves His friend, turn away from her. "You don't need the Church to...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ssssssubmmissssssionnn

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ . (Ephesians 5:21)             "Ssssssubmmisssssssionnn." Can't you just hear the serpent hissing this most horrible of words? If you listen to the serpent or the world, submission means groveling, allowing yourself to be abused, denying yourself your own humanity. Nothing could be worse than submission, could it?             Submission has never been a problem for me, as long as things are going the way I want them to. The rest of the time? Well, let's just say that while I don't know how to fight physically, I don't know how to not fight mentally. One of the fights I've been having with myself for years is about submission.             My first breakthrough took place on a trip to a bookstore. As I walked into the store, my thoughts were very clear. 1) I was goi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Shark Fins, Triple Dog Dares, Heroes, Villains and Sidekicks

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)            There's a scene in Jaws in which someone sees a shark fin and starts a panic. As   all the swimmers scramble to shore, boats surround the fin, which falls over to reveal two kids. With several guns pointed at them, one of the kids points at the other. The message is clear: it was his idea. In Christmas Story, there's a scene in which one kid "triple dog dares" another to do something stupid. Since it's a triple dog dare, well, what choice does the boy have? There doesn't seem to be any end to the trouble that peer pressure can cause. ...
Post a Comment
Read more