Lord, I'm making progress on my devotional book, the one you have inspired me to pursue. As previously admitted, it's not the easiest writing I've done. In fact, it requires a lot of detailed organization (not my greatest skill) and another strange disciple: Waiting. I am finding that you want me praying carefully about each step and waiting for the right inspirational moment rather than just jumping in with creative vigor. This approach is foreign to me, but I'm trusting that you know what you're doing. And that brings up a bold question: What are you doing while I'm waiting?
Yes God; that thought frequently crosses my mind. Please forgive any perception of arrogance―no I’m not privileged to know your bigger thoughts (I must improve my trust in things unseen). But you made me with a curious mind, you ask me to seek. And you fill with righteousness those who hunger and thirst for it.
The LORD said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain and wait there, that I may give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction."
―Exodus 24:12
You had a very specific plan of action in store for Moses and the Israelites. Interestingly you didn’t share (yet) with Moses that, while he was with you on the mountain, your people would be committing adultery below. You weren’t inclined to warn him that he would have to perform unspeakable acts, killing those who instigated the treachery. You didn’t reveal the necessity for another trip back up the mountain to receive a second set of instructions. Wouldn’t it have saved us (and you!) a whole lot of trouble if you had just told Moses in the first place that his first climb would be a futile exercise?
I’m discovering that there is a word closely associated with waiting. The word is teaching. I would not ordinarily connect the two, but you give me new sight in my waiting, and there is the beauty of your way. Being on Spiritual-standby does not mean you have nothing for me to do; that I should not be expectant and seeking in my soul.
Is that what you meant for Sabbath Rest to be about―A time to let your Spirit prepare me for tomorrow’s task; rewarding or arduous as it might be; a time to strengthen me and better instruct me in your ways?
I am in awe of your patience, with me, Father, that you would carefully and methodically lay out the lessons I need―those that encourage and those that convict―only as they become necessary. I would be overwhelmed, perhaps even unable to cope if you were not to carefully and lovingly walk me through the challenges of life.
I ask that you continue to remind me that you provide only enough for me, according to your preparation. Help me to be ready for when tomorrow’s bread arrives.
―It is so.
Mark C.
