Time
Chadwick Boseman's unexpected death shook the world to its core. Sure, we have witnessed other celebrity deaths like Kobe Bean Bryant (RIP Black Mamba) and Rep. John Lewis. Kobe's death was felt around the world. Rep. Lewis' death reminded us of the great people that risked their lives for our future. But Chadwick's passing felt different. He lived with the diagnoses of colon cancer and continued to work while being treated. He created his best artistry during his fight against cancer. Four years. He established his legacy in four years. FOUR!
I struggle tremendously with the concept of time. I often wonder about the things I could have achieved if I didn't waste too much time in situations God told me to get out of. I wonder if I would be married with kids if I would've handled dating differently in my twenties. Sometimes I wonder where I would be if I did not switch my major four times in undergrad. Then reality sets in and I am reminded that we are not able to go back and change our pasts. However, I am aware that I serve the God that lives outside of the concept of time.
God can redeem the time in a way that can literally blow your mind. He can restore, replace, and replenish in the blink of an eye. Great things can be achieved in days, weeks, and months. But it all comes down to one question. Are you willing to allow for Him to work on His time frame? For most of us, our answer is no. We want it our way and in our time. But if we ever take our hands fully off of the situation and allow Him to truly be God, so many amazing things can happen.
The root of the issue is that we do not trust Him to know what is best for our lives. That my friend is a problem. How can we call Him Lord but do not allow for Him to walk in the authority that comes with being sovereign? How can we call Him father but we don't trust Him to provide for us? Maybe you aren't achieving and advancing at the level you should because you're trying to lead the way. You're not capable of fulfilling your purpose on your terms.
Abraham and Sarah were 100 and 90 years old, respectively, when their promised son Isaac was born. Hannah watched Peninnah have children multiple times with their husband Elkanah before her womb was opened to bear Samuel. Jesus began His ministry at 30 years old. He only operated openly in His calling for three years before being crucified. His works in those three years are still influencing our lives today. In John 14:12 (ESV) Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father". We are called to do great things while we are here. But we are not positioned to dictate the time frame. God will allow it to happen in the appropriate season and time. So whatever your it is, IT will manifest. Allow God to be Lord in your life. When you take your hands off of it, He can move and work in a way that will amaze you.
We serve the God that lives outside of time.