091807

September 18, 2007

Stealing God's Moments

by Shana Schutte

If there is such a thing as a second puberty, I think I'm going through it. Just two years ago, you could have found me perusing the aisles at Walmart in my pajamas wearing no makeup. Then, in what seems like an instant, I turned into a clone of a seventeen-year-old girl--only with a few more wrinkles and a lot more anti-aging cream.

Like a teen, I'm spending more time in front of the bathroom mirror: primping; fixing; smoothing, and shaping and wondering what I'll do when I'm totally grey. Unfortunately, I've also spent too much time complaining that I turn forty this year. I imagine those closest to me have noticed a new insecurity about my age creeping into my conversation--but they aren't the only ones who have been taking note.

God has too.

There are times when I know I hear Him speak into my spirit, and other times I'm not sure. But last week, it was clear He wanted my attention. It was one of those moments when He caught me off-guard; I wasn't expecting His voice. Just as I bowed my head to pray, He beat me to the punch with a rebuke. "I want you to stop complaining about your age. You're stealing my moments," He said.

Ouch.

I knew exactly what He meant when the Holy Spirit provided some extra-added interpretation. Shana, these are My moments that I've given you. When you're complaining about your how old you are, you're looking back to the past in regret and despairing of the future. If you're longing for something you used to have, you're not embracing My now. Therefore, you're stealing the moments I've created--those that I'm working in.

God reminded me that my life isn't over 'til it's over and that He is going to do new things in me that He hasn't done before. Will I forfeit the joy of His new work because I'm looking to the past? Will I be unable to wholly embrace new victories because I'm longing for what I used to have, or wishing for something I missed? Will I miss God, Who is in my now?

The writer of Ecclesiastes also has a word about my complaint, "Do not say, 'Why were the old days better than these?' For it is not wise to ask such questions" Ecclesiastes 7:10.

What about you? Is there something in your past that you are holding on to? Something that you wish you had back that is preventing you from embracing the gifts God wants to give you now?

God isn't through with you yet. He is still working in you and as He promised, He'll finish what He started. That means you can anticipate good things in the future, no matter what your age.

"...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phillippians 1:6

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