No Matter What

Why is waiting on God so difficult? We know His plans are far better than ours, so why do we fret so while waiting?

I’ve spoken to several people lately who have just about had it with God and His soon to be released plans. They are just plain tired of waiting!

For some, if they hear Jeremiah 29:11 one more time, they are sure to punch the person who quotes it. I’m far from a fist, so quoting now is safe.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

He has a plan, but waiting for it can be downright infuriating.

During a woman’s ministry event, we were challenged with a question. What barriers or troubles in our lives create division between us and God? In other words, what keeps us from loving and trusting God to our fullest?

It was truly amazing to hear the responses. Honest, raw and real is what they were. No condemnation here. I was truly impressed with the open and frank discussion of why some keep their distance from God.

Disappointed in not getting what I think I deserve was the resounding theme. New home, new car, new relationship… you name it. If I don’t have it, God must not want me to have it. So why should I trust He really wants me to prosper?  

Here then is my question back. What is our responsibility in acquiring said deserved item? I don’t mean how to achieve the new home, car or this or that we are miffed at God for not providing. I mean, what is our responsibility to God?

It would seem we treat God more like Santa Clause than the Most High Creator of all things good. I’ll write you a list God and wait impatiently for You to deliver the goods. Hmm…

Could it be, just maybe, that we don’t have what we think we deserve, because we do not give our Heavenly Father what He deserves?

Ponder that thought with me for just a moment. We have so much to be thankful for, yet we still want more. When we are not given more, we withhold our love, obedience and respect from the One who deserves it more than any other.

There’s a movie I am very fond of called Facing the Giants. Toward the end, there is a song called “No Matter What” that plays in the background as a woman is told yet again that she is not pregnant. It’s a poignant scene in which she must decide to trust and love God, no matter what.

The chorus: “No matter what, I’m gonna love you, no matter what, I’m gonna need You. I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain, but if not, I’ll trust You, no matter what.”

This song is very important to me, as it reminds me of what real trust is all about. It’s trusting God loves me in ALL circumstances, no matter what. And, I am to love Him in ALL circumstances, no matter what.

I’m not saying we get everything we ever dream of when we give our unconditional love, trust and obedience to God. On the contrary, I know we don’t. What we are given is so much more than we could ever ask or imagine. It’s a love like no other. He gives us peace in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. He gives us love from so many sources that we never thought imaginable. And, He gives us more love to give others than we ever thought we were capable of.

I think God asks us; if I don’t fulfill the list, will you love Me anyway? If I don’t meet your demands, will you trust Me anyway?

When discussing this with a small group of ladies not long ago, one of them said; after all, He loves us no matter what. He loves us even when we’re unlovable, so why shouldn’t we love Him no matter what? Well said!    

Heavenly Father, please help me remember You are the Creator of all things good. If my list of wants does not match up with what You know is best for me, please help me to surrender my list and my life fully to Your care. May my will meet Yours in every aspect of life. Help me to be the woman You have called me to be. In the matchless name of Jesus, our Lord Savior and Friend. Amen.