Left Waiting!

I like "Caller ID" on our phone because it clues me in if it is a sales call or lets me identify the caller by name as soon as I answer. It also lets me know whose call I might have missed even if they don't leave a message on our answering machine so I can call them to find out if they needed something from me. However, though "Call Waiting" may be enjoyed by some as it allows them to answer a new call while they are on another one, I don't particularly care for it. I figure if someone calls and gets a busy signal, they know I am on the phone and will try again. Also, I have had the experience when talking with someone else and they received another call (because they had "Call Waiting") with me being left to feel the other call was more important than mine. Perhaps it was, so I should be careful to not take it too personally. However, is it possible to convey such a message to God?

One of the reasons I post on our welcome screen Sunday mornings a reminder to turn off cell phones is so our worship together does not get interrupted. Certainly emergencies can arise making it needful for someone to be contacted. There are also occupations where a person may be on-call and needs to receive information and therefore the reason cell phones can be turned to vibrate rather than ring. Nevertheless, could the interruption of our focus toward God be like "Call Waiting" to convey, "Sorry God, I've got to take this one. I'll get back to you later."? Is GOD PUT OFF AND LEFT WAITING while we focus on other stuff?

Before stating his right to appeal to Caesar ( Acts 25:11) and being sent as a prisoner to Rome, Paul was kept in custody by Governor Felix at Caesarea. Felix -- whose wife was Jewish ( Acts 24:24) -- was familiar with "the Way" ( Acts 24:22) and had opportunity to listen to the testimony of Paul on more than one occasion.

We read. . .
"(24) After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. (25) And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, "Go away for the present. WHEN I GET AN OPPORTUNITY I WILL SUMMON YOU." (26) At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he SENT FOR HIM OFTEN AND CONVERSED WITH HIM. (27) When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison." ( Acts 24:24-27 ESV)

The New Living Translation reads, "(25) . . . 'WHEN IT IS MORE CONVENIENT, I'LL CALL FOR YOU AGAIN.'" [NLT, © 1997, Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House]

Later! Some other time! When I can work you in. When it is more convenient! I'll get back to you later! And how many opportunities to hear and appropriately respond to the Gospel of Jesus have been missed? Too often there are so many other things people seem to think they have to do first. Such occurred even as Jesus walked this earth as He tried to point those who were distracted by the urgent toward what was MOST IMPORTANT! ( Luke 9:57-62)

Certainly there are responsibilities we have in this life which are not to be neglected. However, we DARE NOT SET GOD ASIDE while we deal with it all. The Lord and the things of God are to be priority one. Then, with the wisdom and strength God provides we can better deal with whatever else needs to be done. Convenient times may never come as opportunities that ought to be seized pass by. Though there could be many things we may have to get back to later, may it never be that which relates to God and the hope of the eternal life He offers.

Have a great day MAKING GOD AND HIS WILL PRIORITY ONE!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Priorities