photography by JODIE BRIM CREATIVE
Patience…it’s not my virtue. I’ve worked on it for years, and STILL, my tank runs dry in this department.
Given that reality, on this early morning, I’m just about to come out of my chair as I consider the ridiculously extravagant measure of patience God lavishes upon us, upon ME!
Come with me. I’ll give you the Cliff’s Notes version.
In the book of Numbers, God’s People have just taken the initial part of the Promised Land. Naturally, the occupying enemy could have obliterated them. But by God, they conquered when provoked!
This miracle should have fueled their faith to believe even more emphatically about conquering what stood before them. After all, they eye-witnessed God’s Provision and Protection for FORTY YEARS in a desert. IN A DESERT! He provided everything they needed when they needed it. (NOBODY survives that barren place without food and water, but God essentially sent DoorDash daily!)
When Edom (a quarreling cousin) refused to let the Israelites cross their domain on the way toward the Promised Land, Moses led God’s People through a more challenging route to avoid more war. (Almost always, we must go through some hard things to get where God has called us!)
“The people became irritable and cross as they traveled. They spoke out against God and Moses: “Why did you drag us out of Egypt to die in this godforsaken country? No decent food; no water – we can’t stomach this stuff any longer.” (Numbers 21:4-5 MSG)
Immediately, these folks start complaining THE SAME WAY they did 40 years ago! FOR REAL! It’s like they learned nothing! UNBELIEVABLE!
To assume the worst of God at this point was scandalous; SCANDALOUS, I TELL YOU! I got all riled up in my chair about these thankless, fickle folks…until I ever-so-gradually began seeing myself in them. What a dagger to my self-righteous soul. I have been them. Sometimes I still am them!
How many times has God moved so emphatically in my life that nobody can take the credit but Him?
How many times has He provided for me and protected me through situations that should have taken me out?
He’s steadily and surely kept me through so many barren seasons. In fact, God kept me so well that I actually emerged better than before! STILL, when I hit a really rough patch, selective amnesia overtakes me. I forget all the Lover of my soul has lavished upon me. I start rehearsing the unfairness of my plight and how God should be doing more…NOW! I revert to the person I was when I first began journeying with this Good Father, like I know no better. But, the problem is, I DO!
I DO know my God is good and always seeks my good. I know that whatever I need, whenever I need it, He’s good for it. He’s not holding out on me! He can be trusted with every ounce of my constitution both now and forever!
I don’t know what has you feeling like you’re standing out in the desert with nothing you need to make it, but I’ve come by to remind the deepest parts of you that God has not forgotten you. He has not left your side. He’s as close as the mention of His name. Whatever you need, He’s good for it!
We may have to wait a hot minute. But, the Lord is teaching me all over again today to be patient with the One who is so endlessly patient with me.
For comments or prayer, contact Dr. Lanier at PastorDebbie@HopeCommunityChurch.tv
