Ever felt like all you were doing was hurrying to get somewhere that you thought you were going, only to discover yourself waiting on what was next? Of course you have. We all feel this way at times. Maybe one of the greatest realizations is that when we find ourselves moving at lightening speed we can create a false sense of urgency that pulls us away from God's directive, which is to, "Be still, and know that I am God!" (Psalm 46:10)

If you have ever been in the military the words, "hurry up and wait" are very familiar. Why? Because when we are a part of something much bigger than ourselves we discover that we can't always see the big picture — we don't know everything that is going on, and probably will never know. And when there is a false sense of urgency added into the mix, we actually begin to believe that we are in control (or can be), and not a "higher power."

Remaining obedient and trusting God even when we can't see the full picture is one of the greatest tests of faith. Jesus always taught in what are often seemingly subversive ways. What we see as right side up, Jesus would reveal as being upside down. For instance, Jesus said that the humble and poor would be blessed and that they would inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and the whole earth (Matthew 5:3 & 5). While Jesus said these words, they are certainly not congruent with what the world might teach us. The world's ways might be that the strong and most powerful will rule and have everything, not the poor and humble. The world says "hurry," and Jesus says, "humble." What is the difference in these examples?

Seeing from God's vantage is something only God can do. We can get glimpses if we allow God to take us to God's vantage, but we can't get there on our own efforts, ways, or urgency. What might seem like "hurry up and wait," may actually be God saying, "be still and know that I am God." When we try to be in control, we destroy, create havoc, and feel frustrated, but when we yield to the Hand of God, we find peace, fulfillment, and real transformation. What are you currently experiencing in your life?

Join us this Sunday as Bill takes us through the series, "Hurry Up and Wait," which will reflect on and celebrate the Hands of God at work in our lives in very real ways. Take this opportunity to be still before God and trust that God is in control. And bring a friend to rest with!