WHO’S IN CHARGE HERE?

I hate it when God doesn’t jump to my tune. I pray. I ask for things I think He can get onboard with. Subconsciously I think, "It’s not like I’m asking for the moon, God. I just need a job (or a client to pay their bill…or to find a vendor who knows what he’s doing…or fill-in-your-own-blank)."

I figure including God in my plans and decisions ought to make Him happy! After all, most hard-charging high-capacity people consider it a drag on their forward momentum to have to constantly check in with someone else before making a decision. You’d think He’d be glad I stopped to ask, right?

Much to my dismay, the urgency of my need (at least it’s urgent to me) doesn’t always prompt quick action on His part. He doesn’t gasp in surprise and say, "How did I miss that? I’ll get right on it!"

Sure, He has a few other things on his plate. And, yes, He’s not a heavenly vending machine that pops out spiritual solutions for a quarter. In fact, sometimes I think He intentionally allows circumstances to stop us dead in our tracks to use as teachable moments.

I picture Him saying, "Uh, child, did you forget? This is my world. I’m the one who’s in charge here. Look, I’m crazy about you. I paid a high price to prove it with Jesus’ death on the cross to cover your sin debt. I hear every prayer you utter and often come quickly to your aid. But the way to get the most out of life is not to wait until your back is against and wall and then to run into My presence and demand action. Living in crisis mode isn’t the answer."

"Let’s sit down on a regular basis and unpack the details of how you’re living your life," He might say. "Let’s get a life plan going that’s sustainable--that will give you the abundant life we both want for you."

Why should it surprise us when God tries to move us out of crisis mode? We know instinctively that the best things in life don’t happen in a hurry. A person doesn’t become a good golfer in one lesson from a pro. One good product launch does not make a successful company. One romantic evening with a spouse does not build long-term intimacy. They all take time, energy, and an ongoing commitment.

God knows our personal relationship with Him is no different. If He only functions as our Divine Answer Man, it’s not a relationship.

God aches to be our loving counselor and constant companion 24/7. But He’s a gentleman. He doesn’t hunt us down and inoculate us into lock-step loyalty. He waits. And sometimes rearranges circumstances to reinforce His desire to spend time with us one-on-one whenever and wherever possible and get better acquainted. To share. Listen. Question. Confess. To be loved.

Then—when we need answers or comfort or direction—we’ll recognize His voice. Throughout the day we’ll sense His promptings. And we’ll understand that even if we don’t get the immediate answers we’re looking for, we still have Him. It may be all we really needed in the first place.

--Verla Gillmor Wallace

Verla Gillmor Wallace is a business consultant specializing in public relations strategic planning, corporate positioning, spokesperson training and business writing. She is also an author, speaker and founder of LifeChasers, LLC.