Fast-Forward

In 2006, there was a movie released that was called Click.  It was about a husband and father who had a one-of-kind TV remote.  

This special remote could be used to fast-forward, rewind or pause things in real life.  

I saw this movie, when it first came out, but never wanted to watch it a second time.  It was funny the first time the man fast-forwarded through some everyday things that we'd all love to speed past in life, but quickly the premise of the movie became painful to watch and sad.  

The main character of the movie missed out on many treasured-life experiences because he rushed past everything that was unpleasant or time consuming in his life.   He missed, by choice, the good and bad experiences of life that help form us. 

There have been a few experiences in my life, if I had the ability to hit the fast-forward button at that moment, I would have.  But looking back, I'm able to see that even in the struggles and outright failures, God was using these things for good in my life.  

God has allowed difficult times in my life to develop His character in me.  

The easy thing to do would be to fast-forward my way out of every mess, but God's plan for my life has never included a fast-forward button.

·      His plan says, when we walk through difficult times that He will be with us.

·      His plan says, this mess you are in isn't going to destroy you.

·      His plan says, don't panic call on Me. 

·      His plan says, trust Me.

Next time you are in the middle of a difficult situation and you wish you could  fast-forward your way out of it,  remember God knows.  

In Psalm 13, David was at one of the lowest points in his life.  If the fast-forward button would have been an option for him, he may have taken it.  

Instead of fast-forwarding, David poured out all his woes to the Lord, then He chose to trust.  

Psalm 13 (NET)

How long, Lord, will you continue to ignore me?
How long will you pay no attention to me?
How long must I worry,
and suffer in broad daylight?
How long will my enemy gloat over me?
Look at me! Answer me, O Lord my God!
Revive me, or else I will die!
Then my enemy will say, “I have defeated him!”
Then my foes will rejoice because I am upended.
But I trust in your faithfulness.
May I rejoice because of your deliverance!
I will sing praises to the Lord...

Life is short enough without the fast-forward--so step away from the remote and talk to the Lord!