What does being a part of the microwave generation mean to you? The commonly accepted explanation is that we’re living in an era obsessed with instant results; from heating up microwave meals, to text messaging applications and social media platforms. Relevancy and access to information have defined our digital era, fuelled by social media platforms and leaving us seething as we wait 15 seconds for our microwave meal.
I’m convinced that instant gratification leaves very little room in our lives to exercise our faith, be patient and wait on the Lord. We move on to the “next big thing” faster than we should be, leaving us burnt-out and searching for purpose and satisfaction in places we shouldn’t be.
Waiting well
I should preface this by saying that I don’t particularly like waiting. Moreover, I have strong feelings about being told how I should be waiting. If you’re like me, waiting may leave you feeling stagnant, lethargic or starting to resent the process. What I have found is that this scripture in Romans chapter 12 is a great lesson in how we should approach a season of waiting:
“Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality” (Romans chapter 12, verses 11-13).
Waiting may feel alienating, but it doesn’t have to leave you isolated or lazy. Even while we are waiting there is prayer and faith to be applied to our circumstances, and we can continue reaching out and serving people in need. If you ask me, waiting well means we continue to serve God whilst we stretch our faith for answered prayers. Waiting well means we wait with hope in God.
Microwaved time
Picture a time when you tried to rush the last 15 seconds left on your microwave meal by turning up the heat. Your home fills with smoke only for you to find your meal burned to a crisp and the instructions on the package that read “do not microwave”.
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes chapter 3, verse 1).
This scripture in Ecclesiastes is a constant reminder that life is about seasons and seasons cannot be rushed. The urgency our microwave generation places on how quickly we can accomplish the most in our lives, rather than living life in the seasons we’ve been graced with can be incredibly harmful. The microwave window doesn’t show you the full picture, it doesn’t take into consideration the burnout, disillusionment and damage that can be done from trying to rush the process.
Read the instructions
Remember, some things need a slow cook. The next time you reach for a chocolate croissant, reading the instructions could save you from starting a fire hazard in your microwave. How much more does the same apply to our lives. We try to “microwave” God’s time when we think that He has forgotten His promises to us.
“But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake” (2 Peter chapter 3, verses 8 – 9).
God isn’t being slow to respond, He’s being patient. Perhaps if we chose to read the instructions and find our identity in Him, we wouldn’t find ourselves in precarious circumstances. Always remember that God has made you a promise, and He will keep it in His time and in His season. While you wait, remember to wait well and be found in His word.