Perception and Reality

Wednesday, June 21

Perception and Reality
By: Melissa Beauvais

 
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” 1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)

What stands out to me the most in these verses is the phrase “at the proper time”.  In other words, God’s timing. The four-letter word “wait” is a hard word for most of us. Sometimes I think it should be thrown into the same category as the other four-letter words no one should say. But that is just my flesh. 
Scripture speaks about waiting often. Over 139 times does the word “wait” appear and more if we add in when it is eluded to or thematically written about. If we’re honest, waiting is hard. When God allows circumstances that make us sit, take a step back, and wait, often that does not come easily. But Peter…Peter addresses this issue in pure Peter fashion, straightforward no beating behind the bush, he says, “Humble yourself.”
Humility puts God in control. It allows us to see where we are finite and He is infinite. Where flesh leads astray but He leads to life. In the wait, humility allows us to trust God with our questions, and there is no room for anxiousness because, “He cares for you”. 
In Eugene Peterson’s paraphrased version of the Bible, he quotes this verse: "Be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time” (MSG).  
Peterson’s phrasing cuts to chase even more–Who are you? You do not have to be any more than where you are and who you are right now. God sees you. God will use you, promote you, and exalt you, in His right timing but only when you humble yourself and allow Him to do leading. Are you in a season of waiting? Are you waiting with humility? Ask God to show you where you need to be humbled today. Surrender the anxiousness of this season to Him. He promises to be with you.