Jesus was asked to do things he didn’t necessarily feel he was ready to do. Picture him in the earliest days of his ministry. He had just called the first disciples to him. We pick up the story with Jesus at a wedding feast with his guys, relaxing and enjoying some of his last moments of "normal," knowing full well that soon He would travel and suffer and ultimately die on the cross for each one of us. Since he knew what was ahead of him, did he relish this special evening more? Perhaps, on a night full of twinkling stars, of laughter and dancing and fun, a night where two friends formally embraced their newfound love, all he wanted to embrace was that moment, the calm before the storm. Maybe Jesus wanted to simply be.
But after a full evening of celebration, the wine runs out. His mother already knows Jesus is special, that He has miraculous powers, so Mary pulls Jesus in. He responds by saying, "Dear woman, why are you telling me this? It is not yet time for me to begin my work." Ignoring Him (God love mothers!), Mary instructs the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them to do and leaves.
Jesus had a choice. He didn't feel it was His time. Perhaps he didn't think he was ready. He didn't want to move completely, publicly forward yet. But what He does astounds me. He chooses to trust in God and move forward anyway. It might not have been Jesus' timing, but He trusted that it was God's. So, he sees six jugs of water and turns them into the very best wine of the night. It was his first public miracle, and it was unplanned. The Bible tells us, "He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him" (John 2:1-11).
I like this story because it reminds me that sometimes it doesn't feel like the right timing, whether it's to work out, to make space to connect with God daily, to reach for something better, healthier, or to start something I've felt called to start. This story tells me: Do it anyway. If we wait until everything is convenient and easy, until everything is laid out neatly and clearly a go sign, we may never go! There are always obstacles and road blocks as we move forward on our path, and doing the good we know we ought to do matters to God.
Consider James 4:17 which says, "In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don't do it, that, for you, is evil." And what is evil? It's the gunk that messes us up, that keeps us from seeing God's face in the midst of our challenges, and the ugly things that tear at our soul and keep us awake at night. I think that's a steeper price to pay than overcoming my fear or laziness or insecurities or comfort or whatever obstacle it is that I face and start moving forward. So, if God has put something on your heart, don't be afraid to start. If God has called you to it, the obstacles and challenges you face will be overcome. Lean into him, take a deep breath and leap into the unknown. I can tell you firsthand beautiful things happen when we do.
For Further Thought: What is something "good" you feel nudged to do but haven't done yet? Even if it's inconvenient and challenging, make space this week and start. And hold onto this thought when you feel overwhelmed: "I can do everything God asks me to with the hope of Christ who gives me the strength and power" (Philippians 4:13).
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you equip me in advance for whatever it is you are calling me to. I don't always understand your timing or how you will work, but I know you are faithful; you will make me victorious. Thank you for opportunities to learn greater trust and dependence on you. And thank you in advance for the situations, people and scriptures you will put around me to prepare my way. I love you Papa. Amen.
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