C of E logo

SALTASH AREA CHURCHES

A holy place in Saltash, a holy place for Saltash, and a place
to encounter the holiness of God in Jesus Christ our Lord

Wednesday 21 April

Wednesday 21 April

Acting and waiting

When do I take action, and when do I wait? During the course of our Christian discipleship, we sometimes find ourselves called to act bravely, like Elijah or St Paul. And sometimes, we are called to wait, patiently, while time seems to slip by- like Job or Mary.

In the past, people have often had to wait because of lack of choice or opportunity. Today, our culture encourages us to ‘self-help’, to be ‘motivated’, to take charge and to act independently. The curious thing I have noticed about the social lockdown is that, quite suddenly, we have been forced to stop, to put plans on hold, to be less active.

Funnily enough, it seems to me that just when we are ready and itching to do something, God calls us to slow down and to wait on him. When be have got used to just waiting, and quite like it, the call comes to act. This is how God transforms us into His likeness.

For our Lord, just when it would have been easy to bide his time and go along with the festival crowds, he chose to take a brave stand [see for example John 7: 1-10]. However, as he approached his crucifixion, he handed control over to others, totally trusting in his Father’s plan. As he lay in the grave, even the Son of God had relinquished all power. The outcome? His glorious resurrection, then His ascension to His Father’s right hand. So now, as we look to him, we look to One who knows how to act and how to wait, in both cases trusting in his Father’s plan.

A Prayer

Our God and Father, whose loving purpose for your world is unfolding despite the foolishness and weakness of mankind:
Help us, like your son Jesus, to act with courage, and to wait with patience, knowing that like him you are fulfilling your purpose through us.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

David Pitcher