There’s wisdom in counting the cost before offering our strength. We’re entering the unknown with many risks, and it will certainly be disruptive by its very nature. But when we’re always waiting for the perfect time, we often miss the very good that is ours to offer now.
This might be the couple perpetually postponing having kids because they fear the suffering and uncertainty parenthood brings. Or the husband who holds back his love until he’s guaranteed it will be received well by his wife. Or the man with great influence who waits to speak, write, or lead until he feels the message is perfect and circumstances are optimal.
On the one hand, our fears make us good stewards of our gifts – forcing us to be discerning and not take things for granted. This might be our season of waiting until our gift matures. Even Jesus noted how he had many things to share with his disciples but they were not ready to receive it yet. This was wisdom and not passivity.
But when fear gets the best of us we might delay beyond what is wise. We keep telling ourselves that we’ll act once we’re more confident, or healed, or the conditions are just right. But just as there’s a limited season of physical fertility, we might set ourselves up for many future regrets when we’re always waiting on perfection before acting.
Of course, like Zacharias and Elizabeth, God is able to redeem our barren years and give us children in our old age. But like Mary we must also be willing to offer ourselves fully to the work of God’s Spirit in our lives. We do not wait on complete understanding or perfection according to our terms, but rather we offer ourselves as an act of faith – trusting God to accomplish his good even through our imperfections.
In the end, don’t miss the very good that is yours to offer in this season in the pursuit of safety or perfection. Live by faith; take the risk. And trust God with the outcomes.
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