Why not more? Why not now?

For those who have never seen the 1971 version of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, you are missing out. Not only is the film one of the great performances of Gene Wilder's career, but also it is a movie filled with cautionary songs sung by little orange men. It is the kind of imagery that sticks in a child's mind.

Veruca Salt is a spoiled girl who sings the song, "I want it now!" While she is singing and throwing a temper tantrum it is easy to see her bad behavior and rotten attitude. In fact we all know, before being told, that she is a "bad egg". The example of Veruca taught me not to express my desires that way but did nothing to change my heart. Truth be told, I still want it now!

I want to be more like Christ, NOW! I want to baptize more people, NOW! I want my church to grow, NOW! I want more success, NOW! I want more prestige, NOW! Then I read this verse,
"The Lord your God will clear away these nations before you little by little. You may not make an end of them at once, lest the wild beasts grow too numerous for you" (Deuteronomy 7:22 ESV)

I realize the urgency of now is, at times, opposed by my God. The drive I have to succeed is being tempered by a loving Father who wants what is best for me, now. His plan is not that my church will look good, my sales numbers will be high, my influence to be impressive, but for me to be whole, healthy and His. Now matters to God. He is working in the now, with eternity in mind.

The people who originally heard little by little had to feel the urgency of now. After 40 years of nomadic existance they had to want a permanent home, now. After hearing of the promised land, a land flowing with milk and honey, they had to desire that, now. Ater seeing God perform miracle after miracle on their behalf, they had to want one more big one so they could rest.

God was good enough to caution them to wait. He was kind enough to warn them of the need for patience. He was great enough to promise them He would work miracles, at the right time. He was merciful enough to look out for their future and not just the now. The truth is God is still good, kind, great and merciful.

Why not more? Because God is protecting you.

Why not now? Because its not time yet.

Seek Him, His love, His peace, His agenda and that will be enough.