When will I ever learn that God’s timing is never mine?

I feel like a child who needs to be restrained for her own good sometimes.  My Father has me in a season of stretching, but I want the season to end quickly and return to what I like most.  If left to my own devices, this would not be a direction I would take.

Selfish I suppose.

I want to check off a list:  1.  Learned submission.   2.  Learned to lay down my will (well, sort-of …).

Guess what?  God doesn’t follow a formula as He shapes and guides us.

Just as the little cup placed in the fiery furnace – I have screamed to escape and return to my shelf.   The little cup didn’t realize the heat and surrender to the Master Potter would make her a beautiful piece of decorative china.  At least I KNOW God works all things together for my good — yet I squirm and keep saying, “Can I go back now?  Please?”

Romans 5:3
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Tribulations produce perseverance …

Perseverance:  Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.

In my case, this isn’t a real tribulation, but following a path that I’d rather avoid.  The perseverance is in waiting on God and waiting to hear His direction.

Perseverance produces character …

Character:  Moral excellence and firmness

Character produces hope …

Hope:  To desire with expectation of attainment

If we could only see what God has planned for us TOMORROW.  Wouldn’t it make everything so much easier?

I wonder how many awesome blessings we miss because we don’t persevere and wait.   Perhaps that is why God has taken the decision out of my hands because I would avoid this path.

Again, just like the main character in Hinds’ Feet on High Places, I want to avoid that which is too uncomfortable.   But God knows what is best and what is needed to stretch me (and you as well).

Perseverance …

  “When you wear the weed of impatience in your heart instead of the flower Acceptance-with-Joy, you will always find your enemies get an advantage over you.”
― Hannah Hurnard, Hinds’ Feet on High Places

I don’t find myself feeling patient about this at all.  I want it over, but I should be looking for all of the joy in this that I can locate.

Do any of you squirm on undesired journeys?