We are in the midst of a series on creativity and I am not sure how long it will run. I guess that depends on my creativity! I ran across a quote by Martin Luther King Jr. a few years ago that is relevant to our current discussion. Before I share that quote, however, I want to share a passage from Isaiah that people recite and even sing to me regularly (it was put to music years ago). It is their life philosophy and approach to missions, creativity and action, and it reads like this in the NAS Version:
"He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary" (Isaiah 40:30-31 emphasis added).
A CLOSER LOOK
The key phrase in that passage for many is "those who wait on the Lord." The implication is that if you are going to serve the Lord, you need to wait. There is only one problem with that philosophy. Everything else in that passage speaks to action, not waiting. It speaks of strength, flying, runing and walking. Those who are waiting aren't do any of those things, but the entire context of the passage is God giving strength to those who "wait." I would propose that those who wait don't need the strength.
The NIV for once is more accurate in its translation of the word "wait," for the NIV states, "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." Insert that phrase back into the longer quote above, and you will see there is a big difference between hoping and waiting. Most already have the waiting down pat. I want to be one who hopes as I run, fly and walk, and I hope that we can run together toward our purpose and creativity.
THE QUOTE
And now for the quote from Martin Luther King's speech "Beyond Vietnam," delivered on April 4, 1967 in New York City. Here is what he said:
We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is still the thief of time. Life often leaves us standing bare, naked, and dejected with a lost opportunity. The tide in the affairs of men does not remain at flood - it ebbs. We may cry out desperately for time to pause in her passage, but time is adamant to every plea and rushes on. Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words, "Too late." There is an invisible book of life that faithfully records our vigilance or our neglect. Omar Khayyam is right: "The moving finger writes, and having writ moves on."
You are not guaranteed tomorrow, next week or next year. So what are you waiting for? You are waiting on the Lord to write and publish poetry? You are waiting on the Lord to start your business? You are waiting on the Lord to take that trip? Waiting will not help you do any of those things. Taking action steps and hoping along the way will enable you to take steps and give God something to use and bless. the choice is yours, waiting or hoping. I choose hope and that's why I create every day and plan on doing that, with God's help, for the remainder of my days. I invite you to join me. Have a great week!
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KENYA 2012: I am going over to Kenya in August and need something to take with me to help the orphans. If you can give, I urge you to do so now, in keeping with the theme of today's Memo. Don't wait but give and hope, and give hope to others! You can contribute through my website or by sending a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8882, Pittsburgh, PA 15221-0882.
KENYA 2013: If you would like to be part of my Kenya trip next year, the dates are set for January 31-February 15. Let me know if you are interested and, if you live in Pittsburgh, the first planning meeting will take place next Sunday at 12:30 PM on the North Side of town.
This makes me wonder what I am doing for the Lord.
Posted by: Dale Harper | June 24, 2012 at 09:06 AM
I appreciate hearing "take action steps and hope...." Taking steps is so critical even when we can't see ahead.We know He sees and has prepared a path.
Posted by: Judy Mchael | June 25, 2012 at 09:24 PM
I like this. I must give God something to work with. Sometimes waiting can be just an excuse to inaction and procrastination. By the way your comment on the NIV version is a bit worrying. Please clarify
Posted by: Joshua | June 26, 2012 at 01:51 AM