follow your training schedule
“The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD” (Lamentations 3:25 – 26)
“Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today.” (Exodus 14:13)
It’s so easy to look at someone else’s life, especially one that looks appealing, and wonder if we’re on the right track. God has crafted a training schedule that He’s lovingly personalized and tailored for each of us. The creative nature of our heavenly Father guarantees that each of our pathways will be unique, just as every fingerprint and snowflake is distinct.
There was a student who turned in an assignment to his professor. The professor carefully examined the work, noting the excellence of the endeavor, attention to detail, and diligence which had been applied. “But,” he hesitated, “this was not the assignment I gave you!” No matter how well we do something, it doesn’t really count for much if we’re doing someone else’s assignment. “Well done, good and faithful servant” is reserved for those who are faithful to do what their master has entrusted them to do.
When we don’t know what to do, the Lord tells us to “seek him,” “stand firm,” and “wait quietly.” At times of indecision, we need to resist the temptations of fear, impatience, and presumption. We have nothing to fear – if God is for us, who can be against us? We must combat the urge to impatiently push ahead and “do something” just for the sake of activity or to keep up with someone else. We are walking on perilously thin ice when we act presumptuously.
We need only to stand firm and wait on the Lord. He will bring us exactly what we need at precisely the time we need it, whether revelation, reason, rest, resources, or relationships. Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should. Jesus said that “only one thing is needed” – sitting “at the Lord’s feet, listening” (Luke 10:39, 42). When we’re in that posture, expectantly waiting, God will make it clear. His training schedule is always best.
