Waiting and God’s Timing
“When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, “Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.”
I used to laugh at this passage in Exodus. The Israelites, who were freed from slavery, viewed incredible miracles before their very eyes, and were led by a literal pillar of fire, turned to an idol after God “takes too long” talking to Moses on Mt. Sinai. How ridiculous, right?
Now, when I read the story of the golden calf, I cringe…because I see myself.
How often do I doubt God is at work simply because He is “taking too long”? If you guessed “every time”, you’re right. How quickly do I turn to despair, despite God always proving Himself faithful? That’s right…every time…
It’s easy to laugh at the Israelites, but I am no better. God has shown me time after time that He is at work, that He won’t abandon me, and that I have every reason to trust Him. Somehow, that all goes out the window the second I start feeling impatient.
Back in September 2020, I was in a car accident on the highway where I was stuck for three hours. At one point, I began crying and snapped at God “well I guess you don’t even love me and you won’t send anyone to help me”, just to then immediately see the tow truck coming to rescue me. Oops.
Praise the Lord that His patience is overwhelming and is so much greater than my little impatient heart. He has more grace for me than I could ever understand.
