Smooth rocks are marvelous things. I remember a day at the seashore when one of the young boys in our group was earnestly searching among the stones. At one point he held up a specimen that had been worn down over countless years of liquid motion. The stone’s perfectly smooth, oblong shape revealed tales of innumerable bumps and scrapes against other stones and sand. As he showed it to me, still glistening from the lap of the waves, the lines and hues contained within came alive and danced in the sunlight.
The boy looked at me with a puzzled expression on his face. “Why are some of the stones so smooth?”
Don’t we all long for these hand-delivered teaching moments? What lessons could be drawn?
Lesson One – Edges Are Smoothed Over Time
Creation is a tutor with much to say.. Jesus looked to the birds and flowers to teach his disciples to trust the Father. Solomon counseled young men to look to the ants and learn to use time industriously. What wisdom might a rock contain?
Close your eyes, step into the river and grasp a handful of rocks. You can tell the new arrivals from those that have laid silently waiting. The new arrivals are rough with edges and sharp points. The Old Guard is smooth; time and water have worn away their rough exterior, revealing a polished, beautiful stone.
Much to our surprise and even consternation, God often treats us like stones. We have godly desires, we feel distinctly called to move in a specific direction. But then he tosses us into the waters of waiting, forcing us to tumble about—tumbling through unending seasons—before we even begin.
Perhaps, as you read this, you find yourself in one of these seasons. It’s been a long time. You’re sure God has called you into ministry or business leadership, but doors remain closed. You’ve prayed eagerly and consistently for opportunities. But it doesn’t seem as if the Spirit is hearing you. Your efforts to move forward have created no progress. You feel stuck and stalled. With bent knees and outstretched hands you ask, “How long, O Lord?”
Lesson Two – God’s Timetable Can Be Trusted
God has his own clock for delivering leaders into their future. How long before Paul began to fulfill his calling to go to the Gentiles? Fourteen years. How long did David hide in caves and run from Saul before he became king? Over a decade. How long was Joseph a slave and imprisoned in Egypt before his dreams began to come true? Thirteen years.
God uses waiting to refine the worker. He reigns over every slow tumble and water molecule that smooths the stone. And he is at work in your waiting, purifying your desires by delaying their fulfillment—rubbing off the rough, self-centered, ungodly edges to expose an inner gospel-gleaming beauty. God is also developing a soul prepared to endure rougher waters.
While the lack of perceivable progress towards your dreams might frustrate you, God remains undisturbed. He is smoothing you out in the riverbed of his activity, refining you with every bump and scratch. And amazingly, every wave carries purpose.
Do not despise the season of waiting the Lord has given to you. Go to a river and sift through the stones. God may use it to help you see his wisdom in waiting.
Today’s Question
Consider the seasons of waiting the Lord has given you in the past (whether long or short, or maybe ongoing). What lessons has he taught you that you couldn’t have learned otherwise? What unique ministry opportunities has he given you in those times?
Prayer
Lord, help me to trust you, even as I cry out, “How long?” Help me to trust in your unfailing love, steadfast mercy, and sovereign purpose to use every moment of my life for my good and for your glory. Amen.
Photo by Saurabh Bahadursha on Unsplash
