The Need for Now

Question to think about: Do you want something to happen now?

"It needs to happen now."
"Now," is a powerful word that is driven by our expectations.
Whether we admit it or not,
we have expectations
of how life should be.
We place our expectations before faith,
thinking that if only things
would go our way
life would be okay.
Expectations narrow our perspective.
Our perspective becomes our reality.

How is it possible to see beyond our expectations and the need for "now?"

Even the brothers of Jesus struggled with their expectations .

They did not see the bigger picture.
They were unable to perceive that God was with them.
So they got into a discussion with Jesus about His need to go to the festival at the right time:
Jesus replied, “Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime. The world can’t hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil. You go on. I’m not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come.” After saying these things, Jesus remained in Galilee. (John 7:6-9, The Message)
The brothers could not understand the purpose of Jesus.
The brothers expected Jesus to do something to gain back His popularity . . . after many disciples left . . . and after hearing about others plotting against Him.
The brother's expectations of Jesus created a perceived need for "now."
The brothers pressured Jesus to go to the festival to be seen.
Jesus answered, "Now is not the right time for me to go," giving them the choice to go anytime.
Expectations produce a powerful need for "now." In reality, "now" is not always the best time.

Stop.
Evaluate the purpose of God in your life.
Determine if your need for "now" is driven by your expectations created by your circumstances.
Refocus.
Experience real life through the reality of the presence and plan of God.

Learning with you to re-evaluate the need for "now,"
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)