What Ship Are You Waiting For?
A couple of weeks ago, I was speaking with a missionary after the church service. She mentioned that she had seen my book on the table in the foyer and was inquiring about it. Always thrilled to talk about my books, I told her a little about it and about my desire to reach more people through my work. She shared with me that she had written a state history curriculum for her school and that when home-school groups heard about it, they were chomping at the bit to purchase it from her. She now has a steady part-time income coming in from the sale of her curriculum.
As she was telling me this, I was torn in two different directions. Part of me was thrilled for her that she had been able to profit from her efforts while helping others in return. But honestly, the other part of me was jealous. She had people beating down her door to buy her work. I have to beat down other people's doors and still end up empty-handed. As I stood there struggling with my mixed emotions, I couldn't help but wonder, "Lord, when will my ship finally come in?"
A few days later, I was discussing these feelings with Jason. I told him that the only ship that ever seems to come in for me is the RMS Titanic. I've sunk more hopes and dreams than I care to recall. Why does it seem like opportunities fall into the laps of some people while others struggle day to day and have little to show for it besides good intentions? Why do some people reside cozily on top-of-the-line cruise ships while others seem to linger in dinghies sailing through an ocean of icebergs? How come some people are always in the right place at the right time while others of us can't even find the right place? Why? Why? Why?
I wish I had an answer for you, but the truth is that I just don't know. I don't understand God's ways any more than you do. But one thing I do know is that wishing and whining will get me nowhere. No, if I really want to succeed in my life, I need to follow God's will and leave the results up to Him. Maybe "my ship" will never come in, but that's not the point. The point is for me to obey in faith and leave the rest in God's hands. He knows what's best. He knows the end result. And more than that, He knows the best ship to be on. He'll send the right one along in His time. In the meantime, let's be busy about our Father's business. He'll take care of the rest.