Belonging (S2) : WK 4 - WED
(Matthew 21:20) The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”
The response of the disciples to the withering of the tree shows that they had never seen anything like this before. Jesus, with just one phrase, made a fig tree wither. In an instant Jesus demonstrated his power.
The speed of God’s actions is a mystery to me. There are times when it seems that God acts fast, like in this scenario, but then there are times when God seems to move super slow. And if you have ever experienced those feelings, you know how frustrating they can be.
I entered the seminary believing that I was called to be a pastor, but when I graduated, nobody wanted to hire me. For six months I wondered when God was going to reveal to me when I would start my pastoral ministry. I was getting tired of waiting. But the day came when the phone rang and God opened the door for me to be a full-time pastor. I was so relieved, but it was hard to wait.
What the disciples and you and I have to understand is that God always works quickly. I am realizing that God has only one speed, and it’s instantaneous. Think about creation. God spoke and it happened. BOOM!
It’s not an issue of whether God acts fast or slow. It’s an issue of God’s timing. When God seems to delay, it's because the time isn’t right. When things are lined up the way God wants them to be, his actions will be quick.
This was my situation becoming a pastor. The call came immediately, and it came at the perfect time. I know that now, but I didn’t know it back then.
So our job is not to wonder why God is going slow. Our job is to thank him for working in such a way that when he acts, it will be the perfect time.
The response of the disciples to the withering of the tree shows that they had never seen anything like this before. Jesus, with just one phrase, made a fig tree wither. In an instant Jesus demonstrated his power.
The speed of God’s actions is a mystery to me. There are times when it seems that God acts fast, like in this scenario, but then there are times when God seems to move super slow. And if you have ever experienced those feelings, you know how frustrating they can be.
I entered the seminary believing that I was called to be a pastor, but when I graduated, nobody wanted to hire me. For six months I wondered when God was going to reveal to me when I would start my pastoral ministry. I was getting tired of waiting. But the day came when the phone rang and God opened the door for me to be a full-time pastor. I was so relieved, but it was hard to wait.
What the disciples and you and I have to understand is that God always works quickly. I am realizing that God has only one speed, and it’s instantaneous. Think about creation. God spoke and it happened. BOOM!
It’s not an issue of whether God acts fast or slow. It’s an issue of God’s timing. When God seems to delay, it's because the time isn’t right. When things are lined up the way God wants them to be, his actions will be quick.
This was my situation becoming a pastor. The call came immediately, and it came at the perfect time. I know that now, but I didn’t know it back then.
So our job is not to wonder why God is going slow. Our job is to thank him for working in such a way that when he acts, it will be the perfect time.
- How have you seen the power of God demonstrated in your life?
- What has your experience been waiting on God? Was it a positive or negative experience?
- What is something you need God to do in your life right now?
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