On the Slingshot

Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
- Psalm 27:14

This week marked the end of my first semester at Duke Divinity School and it has been a true journey. I have learned a lot about God, the church, and myself. One of the lessons that is being revealed to me is the importance of waiting. Here, I feel I'm being stretched and prepared for something greater. I'm not sure what it is, but I'm getting ready. Waiting on this 'something' though can sometimes be tough...

If you're like me, in life it can be tempting to be impatient with where we are. We look at life and say, "I wish I could afford ________", or "I wish I was doing ________", or "I wish I was already _________" (substitute your own situation in the blanks) But this semester has reminded me of the need to just be still, keep working, and wait.

Life is kind of like a slingshot. You are put inside it and then you are pulled. You get pulled and pulled and pulled until the "puller" is ready to release you. After you are released, you fly according to how far you've been pulled.

Well, the great "Puller" is God. God pulls, stretching us to the point where we are ready to be released, then we fly. The key is the more we are stretched, the further we will fly. Being stretched in the slingshot is difficult and it takes time, but it is much better than being pulled slightly and only going a short distance. By waiting and allowing God to pull and stretch us, we are preparing to fly into the destiny that awaits.

So wherever you are today, be strong in the slingshot you are in this season and wait on the Lord. Don't compare yourself to others (thanks Pastor Kim!) or lose confidence - God has not forgotten about you (Philippians 1:6 below) In this time, you are being prepared for greatness. Remember, the further you're stretched, the further you'll go.




Lord, thank You for the gift of patience. It is indeed a fruit of the Spirit. Help us all to learn to wait on You and have faith that in these times, You are stretching us for a reason. We know You have not forgotten about us and will perform the work You set out for us to do. Thank You for loving us enough to spend time with us and perfect us as Your servants. Help us to be faithful during our times of waiting. We love You and need You in this hour... Amen




Waiting,
j.a.g.







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Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.