I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.
– 1 Corinthians 3:6-8
When our expectations collide with our impatience the only result that can occur is frustration. I find this to be true in so many different aspects in my life. All those things that just aren’t working out like I had envisioned or they are taking just way too long. Maybe it’s because I didn’t prepare as well as I could have. Maybe I didn’t put in the required effort needed. Maybe the outcome was dependent upon an external factor that wasn’t completely under my control.
Despite the reason, the resulting frustration incurred when expectations and impatience are unequally yoked have a devastating effect on ambition. When that happens, if not dealt with, it is too easy, even natural to fall into discouragement. And discouragement loves to take on the form of apathy. The main issue here is not having unrealistic ambitions, but rather a limited vision in terms of the process.
But what about in God’s economy? Does God have a plan that supersedes our ambitions as well as our faults? How about a timeline? Does God always take into account timing?
The answer to those questions are obviously YES.
Of course He does. It’s called His will. And the amazing part about God’s will is that though it has to always be accomplished, He invites us to participate. In each different aspect of His greater plan, we may play a relatively large part or we may simply be a small, even minute essential step. Every situation is different. Each situation is based on His prerogative. For us, all situations are rooted in our faithfulness.
Humility, surrender and trust are at the heart of how God chooses to use us. When we are humble, we understand it’s His will that gets accomplished. When we are surrendered, we are able to follow His plan and play our part. When we trust God, we have a confidence that from the biggest role to the smallest, it’s not the job God has given us to do, but rather the love that He allows us to be a part of.
Despite God accomplishing something within us or in someone else, it is vital we understand that He is the one who gives increase. When we get to this place in our faith, frustration and discouragement gives way to excitement, fulfillment and a fullness that only comes from being in God’s will.
If you struggle with discouragement, if you have a tendency to fall into apathy, if your expectations are affected by your impatience, if you don’t think you are doing enough for God, stop. That’s right, just stop. Take some time. Connect with God outside of your agenda, your goal, your impatience, the expectations you have placed upon yourself and allow Him to bring you back into His amazing plan for your life.
Jason Metz, lead Pastor
