Wait and Watch

I was watching a movie recently, and there was a part where one of the characters was told to stay back, wait, and keep watch while the hero ran into danger to save the day.

You probably know what happened next.

They didn't wait, and they didn't keep watch.

They decided to run into danger themselves, which caused all kinds of trouble and made things worse.

Been there, done that.

Over and over again.

I remember some scary times when God told me to wait, keep watch, keep my faith, and trust that He would protect me.

And what did I do?

I challenged His methods, got impatient, and decided to take matters into my own hands.

It was not until I reached total exasperation that I finally relinquished control, surrendered, and watched in awe as God did what only God could do.

The critical voice in my hands wants to add, "When are you going to learn?"

The kind voice in my head says, "Go easy on yourself. I know it's scary to trust when you have been mistreated in the past. But you know that God loves you so much, and He isn't going to hurt you or abandon you. He has your best interests in his heart. Wait and see; He is going to take care of everything."

The bossy voice in my head says, "Listen, you gotta do something about this. You can't just sit here and do nothing. Go in there and fix this - now!"

We must fight the temptation to run in and take over and decide instead to wait and watch as we let go and let God.

We know how hard this is for us can-do, problem-solving, or, dare I say, controlling types.

It's hard to resist the urge to run in and try and solve everything yourself; I get it, believe me.

I've been waiting for more patience, but it's taking soooo long (see what I did there?).

But perhaps we can learn something from these movie plotlines: wait, watch, and not get in the way so our hero can protect and save us.

Hey, I know, we could wait and watch together.

Maybe we could play a game or do some crafts to pass the time? Are people still doing latch hooking? I'm not sure, but I can find out.

Let us remember that, even in the waiting and watching, God is with us always and forever.

Exodus 14:14

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

Matthew 26:41

Keep actively watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.

Psalm 130:5

I wait [patiently] for the Lord, my soul [expectantly] waits, and in His word do I hope.