I believe that “things hit differently” depending upon the state of being you are operating in. I did not elect to “give up” something for Lent, but instead to be more intentional about being in prayer, and specifically for a few folk close to me without their knowledge. I am believing God for miracles in their lives. I am expecting God for bringing what seems intangible to them. I am anticipating their desires that have been cultivated through hard work and determination to manifest. That has been my daily deportment, my daily posture. While driving in the car, I heard the radio personality say, “He may not come when you want Him, but He’s always on time.” I too have been guilty of saying this sentiment, even further, believing it; but this time, “It hit differently.”
When I juxtapose this “saying” to the prayers that I am rooted in, that saying is actually counter to my purpose. We don’t have to concern ourselves with the timing of when God shows up, because as believers, we operate in the consideration that “He never leaves, He never sleeps and He never slumbers.” If anything is “waiting to show up,” it would be our faith. It is the one that is tardy. As one of my unofficial virtual spiritual leaders, Pastor John F. Hannah would say, “Let’s go Bible.” In Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Further, in Psalm 121:4, “Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” But to be sure, there are over 70 scriptures about faith alone, and even more with traces of faith behavior, so who needs to be convinced of showing up, us or Him?
What we are dealing with, managing, believing and hoping may appear counter to what we see or even feel. Rising to standing upon the five-letter word of faith comes with stumbling, discomfort and sometimes immobility. I have enjoyed dance as long as I can remember. But over the weekend while teaching choreography to some young people at a church about an hour away, I began to experience pain in right knee. As I ministered, it continued to lock when I attempted movement. As I drove the hour ride home, I was in a little bit of pain. I was experiencing the “it hit differently” phase, especially compared to when I was younger. Yet, I have to believe that God knows. Even if I feel compelled to remind Him, I must believe more importantly that He has taken my case into consideration and will move on my behalf. I don’t have to wonder if “He will show up.” After all, He was already there. Allow me to demonstrate.
About 2-3 years ago, a coworker of mine coordinated a worship experience at his church. He reached out to me to inquire about the dance ministry I’m a part of at my church to participate. We received an invitation, sought approval and went. A woman at his church saw us, shared with her sorority who was planning a worship experience and then she reached out to us. We received an invitation, sought approval and went. A woman in said woman’s chapter saw us, and reached out to me specifically to work with a developing youth dance ministry at her church. She sent an invitation to me, I sought approval from God, and have been going for about a year and a half. Why then should I ponder and say things like, “He may not come when I want Him, but He’s always on time?” Excuse my terrible English but, “He already been there!”
God knew three years ago – scratch that, God knew before I was in my mother’s womb the knee discomfort I would experience. But I have to believe that because I am being obedient to Him, to what He orchestrated years before through my coworker that He will respond to my knee and even more tangibly, to the prayers I’ve been uttering during this season of Lent. This thing is bigger than what we see. Both me and my coworker had to lead a life reflecting Christ to even be comfortable and vulnerable enough to connect and create a subset of connections. God was in the midst all alone, so there is no need ever to wonder about how we beckon Him or if He will show. Does our faith coexist with our expectation? When it does, “it” really does hit differently! We prepare for God’s presence. We prepare for God’s manifestation. We prepare for God. For the remainder of Lent, let us anticipate everything we hope for in God to hit differently. He is the orchestrator of time. Where He leads, may we follow.