I will have a ton of funny stories by the time the race is over. And believe me God has a great sense of humor.
Listen to this…
I knew I was going to be challenged. I knew I would be tested. I knew I would be pushed out of my comfort zone. However, my equation (key word: my) for how things were going to work were blown to pieces before departing the USA.
You see, I believe I'm a fairly patient person but I've been traveling for a week and can't half remember who I am because of exhaustion.
I traveled to Chicago on Sept 5. Since then I have slept on the JFK airport floor, flew to ATL, took a 15 hour flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg, and a 23 hour bus ride to Mutare, Zimbabwe.
This is where the story becomes funny.
A load of laundry was stolen out of the dryer in Chicago so I lost a few outfits (primarily underwear).
Further complicating things, my bag was lost by the airline once I arrived in Johannesburg.
In my head, I said "This WOULD happen to me. 60 teammates and I'm the only person who doesn't have a bag? Really!?"
I wore the same outfit for 4 days, took no shower, and had one pair of underwear.
What is the longest you've worn the same underwear? 4 days? (Don't answer this question if it's 4 or more.)
Personally, I haven't. And I wasn't going to start now.
My first idea was to buy underwear but then I remembered I was a penny-less missionary in the middle of Africa so buying underwear was out of the question.
I considered bartering my malaria meds for underwear so I wouldn't have to wear the same underwear for countless days (gross, huh!?)
But then I read Psalm 62:8; Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.
How often do we trade Gods promises for instant gratification?
How often do we miss the 'best' because we settled on Wednesday?
If you're anything like me, the answer is "all the time."
We are an impatient bunch. We don't like to wait especially when there's something in front of us now.
God on the other hand seems to love to take his time.
Not sure if you've noticed but pretty much everyone that was used by God in the Bible had to do a lot of waiting, sometimes for a really long time.
– Moses waited for 40 years in the desert before leading the Israelites. 40!
– Jacob waited 14 years to marry. 14 years!?
– David tended sheep for a while before defeating Goliath then he waited again.
– Joseph could have settled for Potiphar's wife. But he waited. In jail. For years.
– Even Jesus didn't begin his ministry till he was 30.
These stories are NOT the exception.
Every major character in Gods story had to fight the temptation to trade their 'malaria meds' for 'underwear'.
They had to go 'commando' to be in Gods story.
They had to trust God would supply 'underwear'. In other words, they had to wait.
There are no short cuts. If we want God to use us, we have to wait. Not the kind of wait that sits idly with folded hands. No, that's easy.
Be honest, in what areas of life (finances, relationships, job, etc.) would you feel MOST tempted to take a short cut if the opportunity arises?
Also, what are you 'waiting' for these days?
