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Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The god of my Timing

I've been reading through the Bible as of the last couple of months. There is no plan. I'm reading through at my own pace. My perfectionistic (new word) tendencies make following a Bible Reading Plan stressful and unproductive. So, here I am, In Exodus, trudging through the wilderness with the Israelites. I've always found them to be a frustrating people, while also relatable. Today I'm standing at the foot of Mt. Sinai. We have just received the ten commandments. If you are like me, you've been reciting those since birth. And yet, I'm still struck with, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me".

I've built them, raised them high, and have bowed down before them, gods that is. Never consciously, but I built them all the same. You "heard" me "say" it before that I've made my own gods, and recently I've done it again.

If you have been reading this blog for the past few months, you may have noticed that I have talked a lot about following God even when you don't know where you are going and about trusting Him when you can't see what He's planning. I believe I even mentioned this season being a state of limbo. Those are a few of many themes from my life that have found their way into the blog.

Can I chase a rabbit for a second?

It's been a stretching season. Feel the pull of that muscle! Whoot. Okay, just went a little aerobics queen on you. There is a point to this rambling, even though I'm getting slightly off course. I want to "say" this anyway. Stretching is a good thing, physically and spiritually. When you physically stretch, you release tension from your body, giving your muscles breathing room. You're better for the stretch. Spiritually it's the same way. Sometimes God has to play the part of your workout trainer and tell you to push through the stretch. Flexibility and strength are developed in the stretch. As Christine Caine would say, "Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be snapped". Now that I've chased that rabbit, back to building gods and what that has to do with this season.

As we've stretched, persevered, and wondered at what God was up to, I've mistakenly believed I know the best time these things to happen. Adventures are on the horizon, but there is still so much that hasn't been settled. You know a girl like me would like a little more to go on than things are changing. I've made my idol, believing my timing to be perfect. Time to tear that sucker down, huh?

Yes, indeed. My God is the same God that caused Mt. Sinai to smoke because of His glory, and His glory demands that I set up no god above Him. Though so many aspects of my life are up in the air, I can build my life upon the truth that His timing is perfect. I'm  keeping my eyes heavenward. As I stand at the edge of Mt. Sinai with the Israelites, I will let the command, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" settle deep.

Friends, I have so much to tell you. Hopefully, that post is coming soon. Patience is a virtue (wink).

Before I sign off, I'd like to say, "I haven't forgotten". Remembering 9/11 today.

4 comments:

Emily said...

First, I can SO relate to that self-imposed-perfectionist pressure of a Bible reading plan...which is why I opted out of one to read at my own pace earlier this year as well. :)

Second, isn't there such an assurance in *knowing* that God is the same eternal, unchangeable God of Mt. Sinai?! I love that!

And third, can't wait to hear more about what God has been & is doing!!

Jennifer said...

Haha I'm so glad I'm not the only one! I was beginning to think I was. :)

There is so much assurance in knowing He never changes! So much changes, and sometimes that's scary. So, that's a big deal!

Yay! I can't wait to tell you. It's so up in the air. I'm not sure exactly what I'll be telling yet, only pieces. :)

Thanks for reading, Emily!

Stephanie said...

Yay, changes! I'm excited to hear about what God's been working into your life, friend.

I've totally fallen off the blogging wagon with all the crazyness of this summer but I really am hoping to write again soon. :)

Jennifer said...

Thanks, Steph! I'm excited to share. I have missed you around the blog world. In fact, you have been on my mind lately. Hope things are going well with baby and family!