I was at the Department of Public Safety (DPS) office last week….for 7 hours.
Six and a half of those hours were spent waiting….and waiting… with about 500 of my closest friends.
We all tightly clutched our tickets, with the same tired expression, hoping our number would pop up on the screen.
Hour #1: I was naive.
By hour #5, I was a pro. I managed to eat a burger, visit the ladies room, and claim a seat for my sister and myself in record time. I figured out the DPS’ pattern.
It wasn’t an easy 1,2,3 system. They somehow maneuvered letters into the numbering system, complicating the order. It kept us on our toes.
I figured out their system, like figuring out a mathematical algorithm, but it didn’t expedite anything.
An hour before closing time, the employees were ready to jet.
There were still about 200 of us.
What employee wants to stay extra late on a Friday?
So they starting calling us up
In clusters. Why they didn’t think of this at 11 AM was beyond me.
But I have my theories…
Ya’ll, I finally (eagerly) made it up to the desk, and you’re not going to believe this.
I was missing a form that they needed!
I tried every excuse I could think of, refusing to leave that desk I so patiently waited to visit, but the kind lady turned me away.
So, yes, we will need to return. And it’s not a trip we are (eagerly) looking forward to.
Have you been there?
You’ve dotted your I’s, crossed your T’s, finished school, attended the conferences, and it’s finally your turn…
…to get married…to get that promotion…to get a break… but,
The timing was off, the date was awkward, the credentials weren’t right, you were missing a form…
And it just doesn’t happen.
Job was a good guy. Better than good.
He was righteous.
He took a hard blow, losing his children, possessions, and his health. And he just couldn’t understand why.
He asked God in such a brutally honest way, “why?” And he waited… and waited…and while waiting, received unsolicited advice from friends.
But, he knew he would get his turn to get a REAL answer, not from friends or family, but from the God who formed the seas, clouds, and thunder.
He still trusted God through it all. And God spoke to him from the eye of a storm.
God’s response to Job took him on an adventure through the universe.
The ostrich? Ever notice how beautifully she runs?
The horse? Ever notice how excited he becomes at the sight of battle?
The earth? Ocean? Stars?
Can we explain any of it??
Job realized from his time with God that we miss the bigger picture when God sees it ALL. God has a purpose and a plan for everything that happens.
When you put your faith and trust in Jesus, you can rest ASSURED that there is something working in the heavens that you May NEVER understand.
The great news is: God is working everything for your good!
Keep trusting in that promise while you patiently wait.
Your number is about to get called. Your opportunity is coming, and He will never turn you away.
~Betsy