Don't Jump the Gun

…Prepare ye the way of the LORD… ~ Isaiah 40:3 KJV

Growing up on the swim team, one of the most intense parts was waiting in the “start” position. The official calls the swimmers to step up onto the blocks and to “take your mark.” But the key is holding that position for several seconds without “jumping the gun,” which marks the beginning of the race. Any swimmer who dives or falls off the block before the gun or tone sounds is automatically disqualified. But once you’re in that “start” position, huge amounts of adrenalin begin coursing through your body and it becomes harder and harder to wait.

That’s where we are now.

God has shown us that He’s preparing us for something—and something for us—but because we don’t have all the important details, we’re having to wait. And waiting is hard, just ask any small child. But waiting has a couple purposes. 1) Waiting reveals the condition of your heart. It’s easy to “go.” It takes discipline and obedience to “wait.” Like the swimmer who’s disqualified for an early start, we can miss out on certain blessings because we didn’t trust God and “hold our position” until He started the race.   2) Waiting strengthens your faith. When you know that you’re about to embark on a new adventure, you’re super excited. But as time drags on, the process isn’t as easy as you thought, and unexpected challenges arise, it can be easy to throw in the towel and walk away. But the struggle “produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope,” which builds our faith (Romans 5:3-4; Hebrews 11:1).

If, like us, you’re in that “start” position but you haven’t been given the “go ahead,” don’t jump the gun! Instead, do as Psalm 27:14 encourages: Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

©Heather Potts 2017