What Are You Waiting For?
Most of us are procrastinators of some form or another. Of course, we rarely procrastinate regarding something we want to do or something we are looking forward to doing, but if it is something boring or something that we think will be uncomfortable, we are likely to put it off….generally not a good idea. Putting it off most often makes things worse! Procrastination is not something new. People have been procrastinating for a long time…even in the times of the Bible.
In chapter 24 of the book of Acts in the New Testament, we read about the apostle Paul being “on trial” for his faith before the governor, Felix. It’s not really much of a trial, after all Paul hasn’t done anything wrong. In verse 24 we read that Paul told Felix and his wife about his faith in Jesus Christ. Then we read these words in verse 25: “Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.’” It seems that Felix was under conviction from God. He certainly wasn’t afraid of Paul, after all, Felix was the governor and Paul was the prisoner. It seems clear that the truth of what Paul was saying was making an impact on Felix’s heart and mind. However, rather than responding with faith in Jesus, Felix procrastinates. Felix tells Paul to go away and that he will call for him when he has time. Unfortunately, in verse 27 we read that after two years Paul is still in prison and it appears that Felix is still “in prison” regarding his own sin.
What can we learn from Felix? We can learn that when it comes to the things of God, it is never a good idea to procrastinate. When you feel God leading you to do something or to stop doing something, the time to act is NOW. Why? When God works in our lives, that is His timing. If we wait, we can quench the work of the Holy Spirit. If we wait, we can miss the opportunity that God has at that time. We cannot presume that God will work in our lives that same way again. We cannot presume upon the goodness of God as it relates to His activity in our lives.
So, if God is leading you to do something or not do something, what are you waiting for? Respond today….and make it a great day!