Don't Squander the Wander!

I can still hear the whine and clanking of the polaroid film chugging out of the machine. Children of the 70’s, y’all know what I’m talking about. Having just pointed the lens in the right direction, and pushing that button, we hoped what we saw in the view finder would magically appear on this high tech, for its day, film. The smell of the chemicals filled the air as we shook the mystery square, waiting for the image to appear.

Slowly, as if to say wait for it…wait for it…wait for it…the people and scenery slowly rose up from the yellow grey blur. Instead of fading out, they faded in to view. Brightening and becoming clear with each shake and moment we waited. Until finally, the image was vibrant and clear. We could see what was waiting to be revealed. And, we could assess whether it was focused and full of the stuff we longed to see.

In our current season of history, our whole lives are passing by us quicker than a polaroid shake. We now have surpassed a separate camera all together. Our cell phones have become the catch-all for all our digital needs. If our phone doesn’t have it, we don’t need it. And, last year’s phone suddenly doesn’t have the tech we need, so we trade it in for an even better camera. Seriously though, we walk around with a camera that takes phone calls. I digress.

This whole thing of instant is fascinating to me.

We want the instant, but in reality, a whole lot of stuff goes into getting us to the instant moment. The polaroid generation had to buy the machine and had to put the magical film in the right spot in order to be ready for that click, clack, zoom. Our phones have data plans, contracts, new upgrades, and accessories. And chargers. If it isn’t charged, it ain’t gonna get that selfie.

Instant takes planning and preparation. Instant takes being ready for the big moment. Instant means we anticipate a move on our behalf, or a goal being met. Our concentration, our dedication, and our resolve all play a part.

Bear with me, instant is instantaneous, true that, but God has a way of moving in an instant that surprises us, but doesn’t happen without His plan and timing.

The Father’s refining fire and His way of transforming a life usually goes hand in hand with His instant move on our behalf.

Having gone through quite a season of refining and growth, understanding the ways of God like I’ve never experienced before, I see the two sides of this coin much more clearly.

Seeking the Lord, embracing the comfort and power of the Holy Spirit, understanding and seeking the power of Jesus and His resurrection power, sometimes our journey of growth can take longer than we like. But it is such a sweet, sweet journey.

It is the days when we stop and reflect on His great love and faithfulness in our lives that overwhelm us with praise.

It is the understanding that even if our feet won’t move, or our bones don’t cooperate, we have a Savior whose goodness runs after us, all the days of our lives.

Like the guy sitting next to the pool, waiting for his healing, as told in John 5, sometimes instantly takes a long while. Waiting for the waters to stir, pressing into man’s process, getting more weary with every failed attempt at the process, the guy loses hope. Jesus’ instantly comes at the exact moment the guy has given up on the solutions of man.

He is finally ready to accept the instant move of God. He has been refined, and still seen as worthy of healing by the Healer. The timeline hasn’t discounted or discredited God’s plan or great love.

So, instantly comes with forgiveness, healing, and legs that work like never before. In the snap of a finger. Without the waters having to stir, or being the first one to jump in to receive healing. Instead the Living Water moves in power. On dry land. Oh, the sweet love of God.

Friend, it’s worth it.

It was worth it for the man by the pool, and equally so for you.

I know there are some who immediately respond with, yeah, well, you don’t know how the church has hurt me. I’m spiritual, I just don’t like religion. I tried it, but it just didn’t work for me. Or whatever.

You know what? God has heard it all. He isn’t gonna put you in a pile of lost causes. He didn’t just shrug and say ok, on to the next one. Nope. In fact, you are the one He wants to pursue most.

Why? Because all these reasons that ran through your brain are conditional on man, and man do we mess up.

None of this speaks to Jesus and His love for us. Jesus didn’t give up on you. So, He’s gonna keep loving you until you say ok, I’m ready to try this thing again. He’s not impatient, and He’s not going to reject your call for help. You’re worth it. To the King of Kings.

And that’s pretty amazing.

If it feels like you’re forgotten, hang on. If it feels like it’s never gonna happen, hang on. If you think God has other people in mind, nope. Hang on.

Your instant is coming. He loves you and the blood of Jesus has surely paid the price for you. Hang on. Jesus is on the move. On your behalf.

Be expectant. Be ready. Keep watch for the Savior.

Sometimes it isn’t a delay, but a distraction. Or a harasser. Jesus can move that pest out in an instant too. Why? Because Jesus, sitting at the right hand of the Father in heaven, has already secured victory on your behalf. Did you hear that, sweet one? He has already secured victory. Already. It is yours. For the taking, as His child. The instant has become an inheritance that will never fade.

God’s promise for you whether in the midst of refinement, or in the glory of the instant is the powerful truth that no matter what the enemy tries to whisper in our ear, he can’t touch God’s people. Sure, the enemy can harass, but God fights our battles, and God places a hedge of protection. God decides.

So when the enemy says let me at them, like he did with Job, God may say ok, but only so far. No further. God draws the line. God preserves the life. No amount off begging or pleading or claiming or naming subverts the Almighty God and His power and ways. And no scheme of the enemy will prevail in the lives of God’s children.

In the same way, Jesus is for our good. Every time.

He loves us so much He gave us His Spirit to guide us to the truth, empower us to follow and proclaim the gospel, and comfort us in our troubles.

Also, like Job, we have the opportunity to experience God in a fresh way, in an instant. After our season of drawing closer to the Lord in the midst of whatever trial we face, there will come a moment when the Lord says, ok, enough child, here is your day of deliverance.

When the roles of Savior and saved are in right order, and when the refiner’s fire has reached God’s purpose, Jesus moves in an instant.

Like right now. Today. Wherever you are as you read this.

God is the Restorer of what was lost, even though this new day might look different than before. Adding to our lives, with a fresh circle of people and more blessings than we had before. Stepping out into a new day, because of an instant move of God.

Not because we are perfect, not because we have rehearsed the right formula, not because we did the right checklist, but because the King of the Universe sees that we are at His feet, adoring Him for who He is, not who we think we are. He is getting all the glory, and His is the only name spoken in Heaven.

Ok, so two guys, two situations. Is that enough to convince you?

But wait, there’s more!

All through the New Testament we see Jesus walking along, getting into people’s business, while doing the kingdom’s business. To bring glory to the Father and Himself. To proclaim the Good News that the Savior of the world has come for all who would repent and believe. And so so many times, the instantly of Jesus is displayed.

His conversations reveal so much for us today. Jesus lovingly asks:

Are you ready to be healed?

Do you want to be saved?

Who do you say I am?

He already knows our motives, but He wants us to say it out loud, so we know our motives.

And then forgiveness leads to healing leads to action.

Ok, then pick up your mat.

Go tell others.

Don’t tell others.

Follow Me.

Serve. Go. Share.

All for the kingdom.

The response to those who have experienced the instantly of Jesus?

Instantly they respond.

In obedience. In praise.

They walk out of their situation or town, mat or whatever in hand, confounding the critics. They tell everyone about this guy who moved in their need. They serve. They go. The glorify the Father in Heaven.

The grey film that filled their lives has been shaken off, revealing the clarity of vision and calling and pure truth of the gospel.

And, when God moves in your life, instantly and completely, no one can convince you otherwise. Why? You’ve seen and experienced the resurrection power of Jesus, and you can’t help but desire, no, crave, that everyone everywhere will experience it too. Because Jesus pursued you, and He wants to pursue them too.

Instantly.