What are You Waiting For?

“What are you waiting for?” That was the question I asked myself back in March 2001. Prior to that life-changing question, I believed God was calling Laura and me to go out on mission and plant a church in a densely populated area with few churches. But it never seemed to be the right time. I was always making excuses, putting off the decision to take the plunge, that is until I received a phone call that led to my internal question.

The phone call came offering a church-planting opportunity in the exact setting we were praying for—a densely populated area with few churches. We prayed and fasted, and then I happened to listen to Steven Curtis Chapman’s song, “I’m diving in.” As I listened to the lyrics, that life-changing question popped into my mind, “What are you waiting for?” Now is the time to step up and serve. Now is the time to take the plunge. Now is the time to dive in.

Laura also believed God was calling, and in August 2001, we, along with our three small children, moved to New Orleans to plant Journey Christian Church.

Ever since then, I’ve tried to stay true to stepping up and diving in when called upon to serve. Rather than waiting for the “perfect” moment, I now see that each moment is filled with opportunities to serve, whether they be random acts of kindness or implementing plans for further Kingdom growth.

All of us are tempted at times to put off for the future what God may be calling us to today. We think that we can step up and serve when…we have more information, when…the conditions are just right, when…we have everything ready to go. But, surprisingly, that information, those conditions, and those preparations never seem to be enough.

James Fraser served as a missionary in China in the early 20th century. He pioneered work among the Lisu people as part of China Inland Mission, which eventually became Overseas Missionary Fellowship (the same mission organization with whom my son and his wife serve in Cambodia). 

Before James accepted the call to go to China, he, too, was waiting for the “perfect” moment, and that moment never came. But still sensing God’s call, he finally answered the same question I wrestled with, “What are you waiting for?” and he took the plunge. 

Reflecting back on his experience, he wrote in his journal, “The plain truth is that the Scriptures never teach us to wait for opportunities of service, but to serve in just the things that lie next to our hands…. The Lord bids us work, watch and pray; but Satan suggests, wait until a good opportunity for working, watching, and praying presents itself—and needless to say, this opportunity is always in the future” (Mountain Rain).

You may be hesitant. You may be holding back. You may be questioning whether now is the time to step up and serve. But may I suggest that now is the best time “to serve in just the things that lie next to your hands.” 

And so, I ask you, “What are you waiting for?”