The Flush of Perseverance
A couple of weeks ago, our main toilet started acting up. When you pushed down the handle to flush, nothing would happen. Typically, if you tried it again, it would flush. It was a bit annoying, but overall, not a big deal. However, the problem has progressively gotten worse.
Now, if it doesn't flush on the first try, you have to pump the handle until it finally decides to flush. But, when I say you have to pump the handle, take note that it's not quite as simple as it sounds. No, as we've discovered, there is a particular way and speed at which you have to pump it. It will not work if you pump too quickly or too slowly.
Do you have any idea how ridiculous it feels to stand there trying to pump at just the right speed simply to get the toilet to flush?
An Unyielding Grey
I thumbed through my Bible again, looking for some verse to leap off the page and shout, "This is the way—walk in it!" Silence.
I prayed until my knees ached. "Lord, just tell me what to do. Should I continue in this particular area of the ministry, or should I spend more time in this other area? Should we continue in our current "game plan" or pursue a new approach? A simple yes or no would be lovely!"
But heaven remained quiet. No burning bush. No writing on the wall. Just the persistent, foggy grey of uncertainty.
Have you been there? That spiritual twilight zone where you've done everything "right"—prayed fervently, studied Scripture diligently, sought godly counsel—and still find yourself standing at a crossroads without a traffic light in sight?
It's maddening, isn't it? Especially for those of us who like plans, clarity, and knowing exactly which box to tick.
Finding Hope and Blessings in God’s Timing
Waiting can be a real test of patience, especially in our fast-paced world where everything seems to be just a click away. But you know what they say - good things come to those who wait. And trust me, God knows how to make us wait.
Think about it - we live in a culture of instant gratification. We want our fast food, our express checkout lanes, and our next-day Amazon deliveries. Waiting is not exactly our strong suit. Yet, time and again, the Lord puts us in the waiting room of life. It's like He's saying, "Hold up, my child. I've got something better for you, but you'll have to wait a bit."
Battles Lost and Victories Won
In the book of Ezra, the rebuilding of the temple faced opposition from both within and without. Countless attacks and attempts to infiltrate the workforce eventually led the enemy to approach the king, arguing that the temple's reconstruction would be detrimental to business. Their persuasive argument resulted in a government decree to cease, bringing the work to a standstill for over 15 years.
I can relate to how the Israelites felt during that time. Since we received news about the government questioning the validity of our sponsorship and the pending outcome of our appeal, our ministry here in Wales has had to pause temporarily.
How Do You Deal With Life’s Interruptions?
I stared at the question on my computer screen and laughed out loud. Since I sat down to prepare for my Bible study lesson, I have had numerous phone calls, text messages, and other disturbances. How do I deal with interruptions? If my growing annoyance and frustration with others are any indication, not very well, it would seem.
How about you? How do you handle rained-out picnics, canceled vacations due to family illness, or guests showing up on your one quiet night, surprising you with their impromptu visit and expectations of dinner? How do you react when the dog doesn’t quit barking, the kids won’t quit fighting, the boss won’t quit complaining, and the world around you won’t stop asking for more of you?