“When…, then…”

“And Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?” And she said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.”” - 2 Kings 4:2 ESV

I have a habit of the “if only…” also know as “when… then…” - the idea that when everything is perfect, then (and only then) I can achieve the ‘goal’.

A few months ago, I went on a spiritual retreat for a time of refreshing. As I was packing and praying into the day, I brought a myriad of things; my journal, my bible, a book etc. but I had also forgotten a few things at home; my colour flashcards, my notepad for sermon notes etc. which I only realised once I arrived and began to settle in.

Won’t lie, it was pretty annoying because I like things a particular way; I want to take my sermon notes in my sermon notepad, I want to create scripture cards or encouragement cards on my flashcards. (The single line vision can really make you ruin your day instead of embrace it).

When I was focusing on what I had forgotten and how I could have used those things on the retreat, God spoke and said “yes, but what do you have here?”

I began to respond - listing out the items and my mind went back to when I was praying into the day. I had asked the Lord to orchestrate the day; to guide me and lead me into times of refreshing. And if I’m believing that God hears and answers prayers, surely that would mean I have everything I need to be refreshed here with me now, no?

But the “when.. then..” has a nasty habit of creeping in and blocking the path to contentment, blinding you to the present reality. And sometimes it takes someone else (inspired by the Holy Spirit) to help you regain that sight.

We fall into the trap of thinking we need so much more than what God has already given us to fulfil the task He has set before us. We make many excuses as to why we can’t do it - “I don’t have the right tools”, “I am not eloquent enough”, “I don’t know enough” etc. - we try to qualify (or disqualify) ourselves.

But He never asked us to do so. He has seen and given us what we have, and He still called and qualified us, because He called us to partner with HIM.

We must trust, and believe that He has and will supply everything we need. That He will convert the staff to the serpent.

So.. What is in your hand, and what have you been putting off in the spirit of ‘when..then..’?

“The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it.” - Exodus 4:2-3 ESV