Somedays I set a deadline for the evening reflection simply because I have responsibilities later in the day. Unfortunately, my preset deadlines don’t often work out. The more I try to make the deadline the less likely that comes to pass. Instead, I become frustrated and annoyed that I cannot get the writing finished.
I treat God this way. Sometimes I pray for something specific, and then I give Him a deadline for answering my prayer, and as my deadline draws near, I become more and more irritated with God when it doesn’t look as though it will be met. My prayer time with God becomes a shouting match. Of course, I am the only one shouting. My annoyance increases, and my frustration escalates. Soon, I am not thinking about God at all.
For me to give God a deadline is about the most arrogant attitude I can have toward God. who do I think I am that I can give the living God, the Creator of the universe and the Father of my Savior a deadline? This behavior is my ego run amuck. If I insist that God deliver on my timeline, I have elevated myself above God. My sinful corrupt nature insists that I have the right to dictate to God. I have no right to dictate anything to God.
God in Christ is not my servant; I am His, and, as His servant, I am to “humble [myself], therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift [me] up in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).
Denise Larson Cooper has a passion for Christ and sharing His Word. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise currently works as a gymnastic coach.
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Godnesia: Keeping God in Mind Each Day http://amzn.to/2GSquOD
Ordinary Days With an Extraordinary Savior – http://amzn.to/2mFGASBLife Is a Metaphor: Recognizing God in the Everyday – http://amzn.to/2De1rU2