By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
I was scanning my Facebook feed the other day and came across a video clip entitled “Dogs Who Fail.” The dog lover that I am, I couldn’t resist taking a peek.
The clip began with dogs in slow motion, some of which failed to catch, a few tripped and fell, one got stuck, others missed their landing. But then came a portion of the clip that really struck a chord in my heart—a bull terrier trying to fetch his ball from the couch.
The little guy kept reaching and pawing at the ball, but every time he made contact, the ball scooted further from his grasp. Sometimes the ball rolled closer to him for a brief second, but when he tried to grab it with his mouth, it was pushed just beyond his reach.
I thought to myself, this little guy just needs to wait for his master to reach down and hand it to him.
In that moment God spoke to my heart. It was about a certain something that I’ve been striving to achieve, something which I’ve worked hard to accomplish, but much like the little pup in the video, the closer I get to my goal, the further it drifts from my grasp.
Watching the little dog, I felt a check in my spirit, the kind that takes place whenever God is trying to speak to me. Our conversation went something like this:
God, I don’t understand why this is taking so long.
Rae Lynn, I know what you desire; I know what you’re trying to achieve, but you need to wait.
Seriously, God, wait even longer? I’m growing wearing. I’m not sure how much longer I can keep this up.
Child, I haven’t abandoned you. I’m still right here by your side.
Then why do I feel so alone, God? If you’re by my side, why does it feel like I’m wandering around in the dark? Why do things keep getting pushed further out of my reach the harder I strive? Don’t you see me struggling here, Lord? “How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” (Psalm 13:1-2)
Beloved, I know what you want. In fact, the aspirations you have in your heart are not your own; they came from Me. They are in perfect alignment with My will for your life. However, these dreams cannot be accomplished in your own strength. They are just beyond your reach so that you need Me to help you achieve them. Cease striving, and wait for My perfect timing! There are things taking place in the heavenlies, things that you know nothing about, things beyond your understanding. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)… Trust Me, Child. I know what I’m doing.
I’m sorry for doubting you, Lord. Help me to trust your higher ways and be more patient. And when I grow weary, lose heart, and feel like giving up, give me strength through the power of your Holy Spirit. Help me to wait for your perfectly-timed and fully-ripened blessing.
Is there something you’ve been waiting to achieve but seems just out of reach? Perhaps God wants you to cease striving and wait for Him to hand it to you.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Dear Lord, thank you for your continued course corrections and gentle nudgings that lead us straight to you. Even when it comes through a video on our Facebook feed.
