If You're Feeling Behind

At the age of 24, I still don’t have my driver’s license.

Among the many emotions that statement carries, I used to feel inadequate, behind in a race I wasn’t meant to win—never to cross the finish line on time.

But how did this feeling take root in my heart? A few ideas come to mind and all of them are bound to the social currency of our society: efficiency. We champion productivity, setting standards around a timetable that says: “Crunch time! It’s now or never” Yet God doesn’t impose any of those time-bound, demanding expectations on us. It’s quite the opposite. He calls us to faithful, expectant obedience that requires us to wait on him. 

“Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” (Psalm 27:14) 

The increasing number of possibilities and technology offering a tiny window into other people’s realities has made it way too easy to play the game of comparison. When comparison seeps into our hearts, inadequacy often follows suit. So we plan our lives around expectations not intended for our limited frame. We attach our value to how fast we can reach the finish line, sacrificing rest at the expense of expedited victory. 

But, my dear friend, you are not behind. 

You are in process, a sanctifying and worthwhile process. 

Because we are in Christ, we don’t have to look at others' checklists. 

We don’t have to live according to impossible standards that leave us burned out. 

We don’t have to look to the right or the left but keep our gaze up to the faithful one. 

God formed your inward being (Psalm 139:13), so he knows the best path forward to meet your uniquely tailored needs. Christ paid a high price so we may be free from the heavy burden of self-imposed expectations and rest in light of his forgiveness. 

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)

Whether a license, relationship, or a job, God knows the best time to reveal it to you, protecting you in his mercy and refining you through his grace as you move forward. While we may not know the timetable for such event, we can trust that the one who upholds the universe in perfect wisdom (Hebrews 1:3) extends the same grasp unto you. 

While the pressure is off to meet society’s expectations, you have a higher calling to live faithfully to the one who saved you. The Lord has revealed everything you need to live according to his will in his Word, and no matter what your life looks like this season, you are always within God’s loving presence (Romans 8:38-39).

The good news? If Christ reigns in your life, you are right on time to know and love the Lord your God.

“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29:29)