On your mark. Set. Go! From childhood to adulthood, these words are echoed in backyards, neighborhood streets, playgrounds, and athletic stadiums as runners wait in anticipation of the word ‘Go’ before bolting to gain supremacy as the fastest.
While the stakes are naturally higher for professional athletes striving for glory, fame, and money, the effect of those words is common to all who would dare to assemble at the starting line.
However, for serious competition, strict discipline is required while under the starter’s orders. Despite the nerves and the anticipation, it is forbidden to start running for even a fraction of a second before the gun goes off. To do so is to ‘false start’ or to ‘jump the gun.’ Such an infraction results in an automatic disqualification. Every athlete must concentrate and wait patiently for that sound, or else all of their hard work would be in vain.
Oftentimes in life, we find ourselves having difficulty waiting, whether it’s for a job, a promotion, a spouse, a change of environment, or victory over a difficulty. Waiting is not easy. It’s more instructive to try to do something, to run ahead to make something happen.
There are times in life when being proactive is the right approach. However, sometimes, God wants us to be patient and to wait on His command to act, especially when our actions violate His Word and His Will. In such moments, we are to wait on God and trust His timing.
Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Notice the same verse includes the words, ‘they that wait’ and ‘they shall run’. Like that athlete at the starting line, there is a time to wait, and there is a time to run. The difference is a matter of timing, knowing when to wait and when to run.
So, let’s endeavour to pay attention to God’s laws and instructions so that we know when to wait and when to run. Remember, God’s timing is perfect. And, for ultimate success, it’s critical not to jump the gun.