She wanted hand sanitizer.  (Click on the picture to see the video.)

My niece, Sophia, had seen her parents use it at home and now she wanted it too. When my brother-in-law, Sam, wouldn’t give it to her, she proceeded to try to get it herself.

She isn’t tall enough to reach the counter but that didn’t stop her. Sophia found the step stool and and somehow managed to move it herself.  When her first attempt didn’t work, she repositioned it and tried again.

This was one determined little girl.  But all of her maneuvering and strategizing didn’t work.  Let’s just say that somehow those little arms were actually able to reach it, there was another factor she didn’t consider…

Her father was watching.  

And before she could get it in her hands, it would have to go through his. 

I think of all the times that I thought I was ready for the next thing. And all the times that God said…

Not now.

But why not God?  I’m ready – I just know I am.  Look what I can do! I can see what I want right in front of me. I can almost reach it…

Not now.

The story of David demonstrates this as well.  When he was anointed as king, he didn’t pack his bags that day for the palace.  In fact, he went back to his sheep in the fields.

Not now.

Later on, we read that he killed a giant and was a valiant warrior for Israel’s army.  He was honored and revered by the people.

Not now.

When it seemed like God had delivered King Saul right into David’s hands, his men encouraged him to end it right then and there: “Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’”  (1 Samuel 24:4 ESV) This seemed like a God-given opportunity to finally take his place as the King of Israel. But David knew…

Not now.

This man after God’s heart believed that when it was the right time, God would put the throne in his hands.  He wouldn’t have to scramble, strive or step on someone else to get there.  

David trusted God so he trusted the process.  Even when God said not now.

God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change. (2 Peter 3:9 MSG) 

Our Father always knows best.

~Anu