R.S.V.P.

“They sat down…to wait for his reply.” Ezekiel 20:1

My husband is not a man of many words. It takes him a good deal of time to formulate an answer and respond in any conversation. I remember meal time when our son was young. I would ask my husband a question, then quickly turn to our son and ask him to remain silent until Daddy answered. I knew from experience that any interruption would delay receiving a reply.

Waiting for a response. Sometimes an invitation is extended and we long with eager anticipation for the R.S.V.P. We wait to see what the weather forecast will hold, hoping the day at the beach will proceed as planned. We wait anxiously before a blank sheet of paper, knowing the exam will begin in a few minutes. The Dr’s office said they would call with results and we wait with hope and hesitation until the phone call comes. We send an e-mail or letter containing words that were difficult to write and we wait and pray the recipient received our caring confrontation in the loving way it was intended. There are countless examples of waiting. But…what about waiting for God to speak?

Recently I was sharing with a friend how I was seeking God’s guidance for the Fall. After withdrawing from so many areas of ministry and service back in March, for the purpose of being available to help my Mom when my Dad was hospitalized, I’m asking the Lord what He wants me involved in now as I have felt directionless over the past six months. My friend, a believer, couldn’t understand my waiting on God to reveal His plan. I explained I didn’t want to just be ‘doing’ anything. I wanted to be in the center of God’s will for me. Again I felt her response to me almost condemning. She was busy. Her life was full. She was making plans and pursuing a new path. All was good. But, that’s just the thing. I don’t want to settle for ‘good‘. I don’t want to just be busy doing something, regardless of how ‘good’ it appears. I want to embrace God’s assignment for me. I don’t want my time committed to ‘good’ when ‘best’ comes along.

Having felt ‘shelved’ over the past few months, a schedule has now been put in place to assist my parents as their continued care will be long term. Slowly life is being breathed back into empty lungs. I’m asking the Lord to reveal His plan for me, and like the leaders of Israel, I’m sitting down and waiting for His reply.

The physical act of sitting down implies the expected answer will not be delivered in haste. I’m not standing here, expecting an immediate, quick reply. An answer will come, but it will most likely take time. I’m not moving until He speaks to me.

We live in a world today of instant response. Phone, e-mails, fax, texting, microwaves, drive-thru lines, courier companies that promise same day delivery, digital imaging, frozen prepared dinners, express check-out lines, Go-buses, even “Fast-Passes” at amusement parks…places that advertise rest and relaxation. We’re spinning and running faster and faster and the art of cultivating patience is completely lost.

Sitting down. Waiting on God’s reply. Does five minutes in silence before Him seem like an eternity?

Oh Lord, I want to enjoy the sitting…not so much for the reply…but because I’m sitting in Your presence…with You. Help me wait. When others criticize my waiting and don’t understand, give me courage to keep waiting. Your reply will come…and then I will stand and follow.

Lord, here I am.

Sitting down.

Prepared and purposed to wait.

Oh the pleasure of looking into Your face as You sit with me and enjoy my waiting on You. You will R.S.V.P. at the perfect time.