Are We There Yet?

 

Ever heard that question before?

We set out on our journey to Disney World the day after Christmas last year! Purposely, we left at 6pm with three kids, who hadn't had a nap all day! We fed them a warm dinner, packed them tightly with favorite blankies and stuffed animals, and hoped for a quiet 8 hour drive to Orlando. It worked like a charm...until we stopped for our first potty break at about 10pm. And then it started. The infamous question came from the backseat; "Are we there yet?" At their ages, Bella (4 at the time) was really the only one who understood what was going on and where we were going, however, her voice and movement woke Nate, who thought it was extremely fun to repeat everything his big sister said! Then, just for kicks and giggles, he woke Marleigh, and the rest of the ride was...well...TORTURE! 

Okay, it wasn't THAT bad, but it wasn't what I had planned for either.

Even though we had promised Bella a trip to Disney and we were well on our way, she needed a constant explanation. Her anxiety overruled and she found herself wanting to know more details. The promise of Disney was not enough in the moment. She needed to know just exactly how long it would be until she could step foot into that huge castle and see the pretty princesses. I really can't blame the child though. I find myself doing the exact same thing with just about every anxious moment in life.

Do you find yourself waiting on an explanation instead of  believing in a promise? When God's direction for my life doesn't quite line up with "my" direction and I find myself in a time of turmoil just not understanding what God is up to, it is SO easy to EXPECT an explanation from God! 

"Why, God?"

Ever asked that? 

We get anxious. We've done all we know to do to follow the Lord and please Him, yet it never quite works out as gloriously as we thought it would. We want to know the "how's" and the "why's", the "when's" and the "where's". Sadly, His promises just don't seem enough for us.

I wonder if Abraham ever asked God for an explanation with all that he had been promised. God gave him a pretty astounding promise;

"No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations"(Genesis 17:5)

Talk about a promise!

God had a close relationship with Abraham and promised him his descendants would ultimately comprise many nations. God even changed his name from Abram to Abraham, meaning "father of a multitude," to reflect the importance of this promise. Yet, I'm sure Abraham couldn't quite understand how all of that would happen with a barren wife. Years down the road, even after Issac was born and they traveled together to make a sacrifice, I'm sure, once again, he was wondering if this promise was in the literal sense.

Can't you almost hear him questioning God? He probably glanced at the stars and the sand and wondered HOW it would EVER happen. (Genesis 22:17) Yet the Bible says, he didn't waiver from the promise. How could he not be just a bit perplexed as to how it would all come about? 

I believe I've found myself in that boat many times! I BELIEVE the promises He has for me, yet in the middle of turmoil and desperate situations, I become anxious and dwell on the specifics of how it will all come to pass. Much like Bella as well, she believed the promise of going to Disney World, yet in the LONG car ride there, she "needed" to know exactly how much longer it was going to take to obtain the promise.

Are you in transition in your life right now? Are you on the LONG ride to your promise from God?

Don't lose heart. God has not forgotten about you. He remembers the promise He has made with you and longs to bless you with it. Go look at the stars one night and stand in amazement of all His promises for all creation. Be patient. The thrill of the promise is well worth the wait. Wait on Him and gain strength. And while you wait...and wait...and wait, don't expect an explanation for the questions that may arise. 

BELIEVE IN THE PROMISE!

First glimpse of the Castle! Standing in amazement of "the promise"!

When doubt tries to enter your particular situations, claim these verses about His promises for your life:

1.) The Lord ALWAYS keeps His promises! (1 Kings 8:20)

2.) The promise is for YOU and YOUR children. (Acts 2:39) They need to see your faith! :)

3.) It is BY FAITH that we receive the promises! (Gal. 3:14)

4.) The Lord is not slow in HIS TIMING to keep His promises! (2 Peter 3:9)

KEEP THE FAITH!

Linked With: