Ready and Willing!

"Ready or not, here I come!" 

My son loves playing hide and seek. It doesn't matter if we're in the house, outside, or at Walmart. Of course I have to remind him not to get out of sight in public places. I would hate to forfeit any "Father of the Year" honors by being called on the intercom to report to the home and garden center, register nine, or the customer service desk. 

So the counting begins. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5...When finally reaching my numerical destination,  I set out to discover him in the unique hiding place under the same pile of clothes I was in only moments before. 

But sometimes when I finish counting and recite the familiar line, "Ready or not, here I come," he begins to scream, "Dad, I'm not ready!" 

He's more than willing to play the game but he's not quite ready for the game to begin. So he says, "Dad, start over!" In his quest to find the most optimal position his indecisive spirit leaves him squandering in the dregs of open spaces.   

And this is the place I find myself with God. Willing but not quite ready! 

I'm convinced I need more time, more training, more clarity. I need one more fleece, one more burning bush, one more talking donkey. One more supernatural expression of His presence rather than just trusting the surge of His Spirit on my heart. 

I'm trapped between sitting down and taking a step. Trapped between fear and courage. Trapped between rebellion and obedience. Trapped between trusting my flesh and His spirit in me.

Here's what I hear God saying right now, "Ready or not, here I come!" Yes, there's uncertainty. Yes, I would like more time. Yes, I would like the path to be more clear. But that's what makes it a real test of faith. Taking the leap, making the jump, beginning the journey. 

God is at work and He's asking us to join Him. He's not asking if we're ready; He's simply asking us to be willing to take this leap of faith and trust Him with our steps!