Hurry Up and Wait

Last Updated on May 20, 2016 by Stacy Averette

I’m in a hurry.

I’ve a long list of things to do this time of year.
• things I need to do
• things I should’ve done
• things that aren’t getting done because I keep adding more things to my list.

Lists are good. They help me play the game. They’re my version of the quarterback’s armband. My list helps me lead my team—my family.

When I Play Quarterback

I’m kind of like a quarterback, you know. In the game of life, my team—my family, listens to me in the huddle as I call the plays. I can throw a pass to one of my receivers; do a little hand-off in the back field, or run the ball if necessary. I can call an audible when I need to and occasionally I nail a Hail Mary. My team needs me and I need them so I do my best to lead them well.

Here’s one of our huddles in the car. I love my team!

Recently, someone showed me a video clip of a quarterback getting in position to take the snap. (click here to see the 10 second video.) The referee wasn’t where he expected him to be so he attempts to move him out of the way. I was a little distracted the first time I watched the video so I said, “Wow” and went back to what I was doing. I really didn’t think about it again.

Until Thanksgiving Day.

I was up to my elbows in chicken intently focused on preparing dressing for dinner when the image of that quarterback pushing the referee aside popped in my mind. Immediately, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart with compassionate conviction, “Sometimes that’s what you do to me.”

I tear chicken as the Holy Spirit tears through my heart with Truth. Tears sting my eyes.

Holy Spirit as Referee

You know the Holy Spirit is like a referee in our heart. He blows the whistle when we need it. He presides over our life showing us where a foul (sin) has been committed. The quarterback in the video felt the referee was in his way—hindering him. Often the Holy Spirit isn’t where we think He’s supposed to be or in a position we’re comfortable with but He is absolutely necessary for us to play the game well. He showed me that so often I try to play the game without Him. I push him aside in my hurry-up offense.

This isn’t my commentary on the quarterback in this video. I’m not evaluating him as a player or a person.

It’s just that God used that very brief video to teach me this truth—sometimes I need to slow down.
‘Cause when the clock is ticking and duty calls and I’m the quarterback . . . Well you’d better get out of my way even if you’re the referee or the Holy Spirit.

Do I have to tell you what a bad, bad plan that is?

I am so thankful God loves me enough to throw a flag. I am so thankful he doesn’t let me push him around without blowing the whistle.

He won’t let you either.

The LORD said to Joshua,

“Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. And as for you, command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant,

‘When you come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.’”

And Joshua said to the people of Israel, “Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God.”
Joshua 3:7-9

 

You shall stand still.

Stand still?

Hurry Up and Wait

The waters they were approaching were impassable. Nevertheless, God was going to act on their behalf just as he had done for Moses when the people crossed these waters the first time.

My inclination is to get busy and do something. God says, “Be still”.

Be still and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10

Being still is hard when the clock is ticking and there is much to be done.
I don’t know what you’re facing. But I know that I’m not the only one with a list, in a hurry, under pressure, with people depending on me.

This is the time of the year of all the times of the year when we feel there is much to be done.

That immovable date of December 25 is approaching.

Be still.

The deadline looms.

Be still.

They demand an answer.

Be still.

It may only be a moment of stillness in your morning or evening or sometime throughout your day. Step aside and allow the referee, the Holy Spirit, to be in your game. Perhaps it’s more than a moment. Maybe it’s a relationship, a job, your whole life—where you’ve pushed aside the Holy Spirit, ignoring his plan, his rhythm for your life.

Will you begin today to let your life be ruled by the peace of God and allow Him to be the referee in every moment? If we do this we will find ourselves walking in a path of constant “whistle blowing” conviction and humbling; but in this way we will come into real conformity with Christ. This way of living will give us the only victory that is worth anything in this life.

My pastor is currently preaching a series from the book of Esther on living the Spirit-filled life. It’s been life-changing for me and I encourage you to listen. Click the following link to learn more: Esther: The Spirit Filled Life.