Can’t Wait?

1 Samuel 26:10

“As surely as the Lord lives, he said, the Lord himself will strike him; either his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. But the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed..”

Kids can’t wait. They’ll itch you to impatience just to get their wants. Now is their only known time zone. Not later. Not in five minutes. Running alongside their Now-mentality is the Me-factor. They still have no concept of consideration, priorities or schedule. Not even when you’re sick in bed or holding a boiling pot. Oh, did I tell you we’re watching a relay race? Third team member is called Next. That’s his cue. He easily forgets novelty and interestingly, his name too. He will convince you he’s the new Now. Confused? They’re not. And they won’t stop unless parents set the tracks, stamp some rules, and stick to it.

Saul can’t wait. One suggestion from the Ziphites, although far off, sent him to pursue David’s life. He once again brought along three thousand men to make sure he gets what he wants - - now. With no godly inquiries or family consideration, he left even his state duties to serve but one purpose - - his 'Me' factor. And why all these bother? Because he wanted a firm grip of this kingdom - - and the next. Which he forfeited for the same issue - - waiting. David, on the other hand, surrendered himself to God’s schedules and submitted to His set rules. Bringing just one man to a camp of thousand, he sure did not intend a kill. Abishai voluntarily suggested to do it for him, for Saul was so near them, lying asleep and defenseless. But David said not now - - God has His time. One look at Saul and David could easily list more harm than good done to him by his father-in-law. The latest? He gave his wife Michal to another man. Imagine that! Saul could easily be pinned to the ground in his own spear if David allowed his pride to overpower him. But he chose to serve not his wants - - but God’s. He who is anointed next to the throne could easily end his suffering now by taking that claim. David was wise enough to know what Next means, wiser still not to call it ‘now’.

‘When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.’ Now, Me, and Next are demand words understandable with kids. Understandable, but not right. Parents ought to help them outgrow it. Multiply that to our age now and what we expect to see are mature grown-ups: able to wait but ready to serve, looking ahead but content with today. When God stops us, it is not because we are not loved, or that He’s too busy for us. For my kids, it could be because such time is set for their nap or homeschooling. Ecclesiastes chapter three reads ‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. He has made everything beautiful in its time’. Can’t wait? Would you trade His beautiful best for one half-baked? Nah!