Between A and B

I haven't posted in SO long. There's been so much going on over the last several months as God has continued to lead me through incredible transition in ministry and life in general. At the end of July the interim position that I was serving in came to a close. Unfortunately, this happened before I found a new place to land. So as you can imagine the last several months have been challenging and even scary at times as I've continued to prayerfully search for a place to plant.

Here's the biggest lesson that God's been teaching me during this season:

God is watching for me to honor Him with a humble spirit and attitude in between points A and B. At point A, of course I'm humble...that's where I'm making my request. At point B, of course I'm humble...I've just received what I need or asked for. But inbetween those two places is where God is truly honored or not.

Here's how God began this lesson in me:

The other day while out picking up some things for the house I came across a Thomas The Train bathtub toy for my son, Cooper. He had been especially pleasant and obedient for several days so I decided to buy it for him and surprise him that night at bath time. After dinner, we stopped by the grocery store for a few essentials and while there Cooper spotted a little plastic Thomas toy that he went absolutely berzerk for. When I told him no he threw a complete fit. So I told him, "Cooper, daddy has a surprise for you at home that you don't even know about yet". And then my own words continued to ring in my ears...from God...in direct response to my tantrum attitude I'd been giving Him. "Johnny, I have things set aside for you that you don't even know about yet."

I was so convicted of what my attitude has been regarding my circumstances. I'd literally prayed with frustration..."God why wasn't church xyz interested in me? I'm perfectly equipped for that position, God!" And, "God! what's wrong with those people? Not even wanting to interview me because I don't have a formal seminary degree??? How could they have that kind of tunnel vision??" And so on and so forth. All the "tantrum" things that I'm sure Cooper was thinking when throwing a fit for a piece of blue plastic. But see, I knew that what I had for Cooper would bless him WAY more than what he was throwing the fit for. And it was a reward for how his attitude had been during the previous days; without promise of reward, but simply because he was honoring me and Suzii as his parents.

And so it is with God our Father. What He has for us is always WAY better than whatever we're throwing a fit for. But, He is looking for a humble spirit from us. Not just when we want something, but all the time.

So the real test for us comes between points A and B.

What are you in the middle of? How's your attitude towards God? Are you honoring Him with a humble spirit and a humble attitude where you are right now? Or are you waiting like I was to show humble gratitude whenever you finally get what you want.