“Who wants to stop at McDonalds?”
Whenever we went on long car rides, my dad would throw this question out when the golden arches popped into view. Of course my brothers and I were bored and hungry – “I do! Me!“ we’d chorus. Then he’d drive past the turn without slowing and say, “Oh! Too late!” I can’t think of one single time that he turned in, and yet I remember responding eagerly for years.
Recently I was reminded of the unfulfilled hope of those car trips. This time what I was longing for was something far better, far bigger, than a burger and fries. The target was just ahead, but the closer it got, the harder I had to work to trust that God wasn’t going to say, “Oh! Too late!” and drive on by. Who knew that childhood disappointment would leave such a lasting mark?
It’s the enemy who warns against relying on God’s goodness. “Be careful,” he whispers. “Don’t lean too hard on your hope. It might give way.” He wants us to believe God’s goodness isn’t really good. There’s a fly in the ointment, a catch in the deal, it’s too good to be true.
But God isn’t like my dad, teasing us with the promise of goodness He never intended to fulfill. He doesn’t give us false hope or toy with us, and “He does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow” (Lamentations 3:33). Instead He asks us to trust Him, to entrust ourselves and our hopes to His goodness. His word is something we can count on. His promises are a sure and firm foundation.
There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor. The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. Deuteronomy 33:26-27
What God says He will do is exactly what He is doing. Faith asks us to wait for Him to deliver the joy at just the right time in His “only God could do this” way. Anyone can turn into McDonald’s; only God can deliver manna from heaven.
God uses the wait to reveal things. We see ourselves more clearly, and we come to know God more fully. We experience His faithfulness and we’re convinced He is Faithful and True. He provides for us and we know He is the Provider. We grieve and we learn He is the Comforter. He responds to our prayers and we understand He cares for us.
Make no mistake – joy is coming. The promise is backed by the steadfast strength of the Almighty God’s loving-kindness. It will not give way and He will not fail. You can depend on it.
He gives grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from those who do what is right. O Lord almighty, happy are those who trust in you. Psalm 84:11-12