Waiting for the Big One
Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!1
Living in a coastal town, it is not uncommon to drive along the beach and see surfers out on the waves in the early morning or even at sunset. It is even less uncommon to see those surfers just sitting out there, seemingly just floating along, but in reality they are waiting. Waiting for a little wind to stir up the water and catch the perfect wave. There is a lot of waiting when it comes to surfing and moments of stillness are required. Many of those surfers will remain in the water until they are satisfied that they have caught the best wave possible for that day. But many others out there, being inexperienced or just impatient, will rush at any wave they see in an effort to be the first to catch a wave, any wave. After spending the day paddling out to wave after wave, they become tired, and when suddenly “the big one” comes, they no longer have any energy left to catch the wave that was meant to be caught.
Trying to live out your abundant life in Jesus can feel a lot like surfing. Instead of being still and waiting on “the big one” — the gift that God might have in store for us, we swim around, paddling from ministry to ministry serving wherever we can, trying to find God's blessing. Eventually we begin to feel tired, leaving us without enough energy to catch the gift that God has prepared just for us. In John 15, Jesus uses the word “remain” several times. Not perform, nor impress, just remain. A word that means “stay” or “be still”. Stop your frantic efforts to please God with your deeds and focus all your energy into waiting on His time, remaining in Word, being still in His presence. The waves in life are uncertain, but God is steadfast. Be still and wait: the big one is coming!
Suggested prayer: Dear God, the excitement of serving you can sometimes have me chasing small waves of blessings, when I know that you have something great in store for me. Help me to be still and wait for your timing and your will in my life. What you have planned for me is so much bigger than anything I can reach on my own. I want to remain close to and in your presence daily. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
1. Psalm 46:10 (NIV).
Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.