After another frustrating day visiting the doctor, sometimes its hard to stay motivated. When I woke up this morning, I didn’t feel like reading the Bible or praying. Part of me thought, “what’s the point?” I’ve done everything I can think of and I’m still not cleared to return to work.
Perhaps, this same emotion is experienced by millions of individuals on a daily basis. Once you bust your butt and work hard without any tangible results, apathy and pessimism often set in. Thus, staying hopeful is a battle, especially when others around you seem to be better off than yourself. In these moments, faith must be more than a feeling or else you will collapse under a sea of disappointment.
Despite my initial inclination, I fought through these urges to give God my first fruits, the first hour of my day. Although I did not receive the outcome I wished for, there is still enough time in this day for my prayer to be answered. When desperation sets in, the Lord is the only firm foundation remaining, Psalm 28:1. Within my own uncertainty, I cling to the promise of Psalm 28:7, hoping to leap for joy instead of feeling depressed.
In this day and age, waiting is like praying for patience, nobody wants to do it. The essence of waiting involves one of two options: either stay where you are or delay your plans until something happens. However, if you’re not in a safe place common sense will urge you to move. Meanwhile, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you might overlook the obvious sign God has provided.
In Psalm 22:1, David’s prayer mirrors Jesus’ words in Matthew 27:46. David went from the out house as a lonely shepherd, living in country fields under the stars to the penthouse, anointed as the next king of Israel in 1 Samuel 16:13. However, the catch was David had to wait until Saul’s death until this dream became a reality. A whirl wind took David to the king’s palace as a servant to the king, playing his harp, to a battle field, defeating Goliath and to a cave fleeing the wrath a jealous king, literally running for his life. This is the context in which David felt forsaken and forgotten, unable to wait any longer.
Meanwhile, Jesus spent 6 hours hanging from a cross before his death. Without any pain killers, Jesus endured excruciating pain as 3 modern railroad sized spikes went through each hand and both ankles. If this wasn’t bad enough, insults and mocking followed, carrying on for hours. Grasping for air to breath, having a conversation to share his final words was exhausting. Thus, God the Father went silent, allowing His Son to finish the task that Jesus was sent to earth to complete, Luke 19:10. Not able to wait any longer, Jesus gave up his spirit, succumbing to the natural forces of life.
Perhaps, Hebrews 12:4 was placed into the pages of the Bible for impatient people on earth. Despite the trials you encounter in life, God reminds mankind that at least you didn’t have to shed your blood on a cross. With this subtle reminder, may God fill you with the spirit of Isaiah 40:28-31. If you find yourself tired, weary and lacking understanding, may the wings of eagles lift you up as wait on God. In your weakness of impatience, God is strong, carrying you periodically when you can’t tarry on, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Although I don’t know why God is taking so long to reveal His plan to me, I am clinging to His promise of a brighter future, Jeremiah 29:11.
Inspired by the first woman to swim the English Channel, a California swimmer attempted a similar feat, trying to make the 22 mile journey from Catalina Island to the California coastline. Swimming for 15 hours, with a boat on either side of her for safety, a thick Marine layer prevented this woman from seeing the finish line. Exhausted and swimming blind the entire time, she gave up only a few hundred yards from the beach. Thus, the fog, as thick as pea soup, eclipsed her glory, failing to make history.
From January 1st, 2012 through March 23rd, 2013, I was living in a dense spiritual fog. During this 15 month stretch, there were moments, even a day or two, when I thought, finally these clouds are dissipating. To my disappointment, another layer of fog rolled in, more dense than the one before. My career path became like a yo-yo, slinky and a series of one hit wonders, showing hope and promise one day, yet gone the next. As a result, I was ready to quit, as my plans kept coming up empty, Proverbs 19:21.
From an astronomy perspective, an eclipse occurs when there is an obscuration of light as a moon or planet intervenes momentarily. From a spiritual point of view, human beings often seek fame for themselves, stealing God of the glory He is due. Despite these efforts, the Lord’s purpose always prevails, using the weather to steer you in the direction, toward His will. Therefore, move out of God’s way, let Jesus take the wheel, Ephesians 2:10 and submit to the Creator’s commands in Philippians 2:13-14. Then, you can experience the eclipse of God’s glory!
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