July 4th is the day that Americans celebrate “Independence Day.” It’s a day when many have picnics, family reunions, barbeques and, of course, going somewhere to see fireworks. This year, my family and I decided to drive across town to see fireworks in a park.
Literally thousands of people were there. Traffic was very slow and drivers were eagerly scouring the area for places to park and to get a good view. Some people arrived a couple of hours before the scheduled show just to get a good spot. We were not one of those families! We arrived about a half an hour before the show was to begin.
Thankfully, we were able to find a spot just across the street from the show and the entrance gate (yes, I’m one of those folks that pray for a good parking spot!) To our surprise, we saw a friend leaving the park just as we were about to come in. “Where are you going?” She responded, “Girl, I’ve been here for two hours. This is taking way too long, I’ve got to go!” We tried to convince her to stay, saying that surely the show would start any minute as night had fallen and since she’d already waited so long.
“Nope, this doesn’t make sense. It’s taking way too long. I’ve got other things to do!” So off she went. To our surprise again, about ten other cars followed, leaving angrily because the fireworks hadn’t started sooner. Our son (a recent high school graduate) retorted, “See mommy, you ‘old people’ don’t understand. Ain’t nobody gonna keep on waiting so long. We’ve got other things to do.” My husband and I retorted back, “No son, YOU don’t understand. What sense does it make to wait for something so long and then leave when it’s just about to get started?”
As we spoke, BOOM, BOOM, CRACKLE, BOOM… the fireworks began. Of all of the years I’d been to 4th of July shows, this was the best and clearest spot I’ve ever had. I turned to our children and said, “Remember this example…it’s just like life. So many give up just before they are about to receive their blessing. What sense does it make to wait for something so long and then leave just before getting what you’ve waited for?”
Truly this was a lesson for life. The difference is that we don’t have a time table for when our blessing, our deliverance, our healing, our break through is going to happen. However, “hope that is seen is not hope.” Our hope is in the LORD.
You have come this far, you’ve worked hard, you’ve persevered, you’ve stood in the heat of the day. Don’t allow “the wait” to cause you to leave your post. Yes, the “hoping process” can be painful. It can be stressful. It can be bruising. It can be daunting. But you are closer to victory than you think. Stay focused. Listen attentively to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Move at God’s command. Stay on the proverbial wall. Refuse to come down. Be patient. Persevere.
Your fireworks are about to begin!
Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com
Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
Pastor Chris,
ReplyDeleteRecently, I received some news that I had been waiting to hear the status for 10 months. The enemy had me to immediately focus on all the negative aspects. The Holy Spirit came over me and pushed me to see the good. What I then saw was a plan, a path and an answer to my prayer. No it is not based on my own timeline but it is God's timeline. And ultimately we must heed ourselves to the will of God’s plan for our lives and not our own. I am now thanking God for answered prayers, and getting busy with fulfilling my part.
Grace and peace to you.
Take care, Lisa