I am all about convenience.  Anything that will help make my life easier, or help to simplify things, is welcome in my book - Instapots, mobile shopping apps, pre-packaged foods, microwaves, and drive-throughs, you name it.  I particularly love the brownie mixes that make you seem like a master chef, yet takes only 30 minutes and a mixing bowl to prepare. 

Quick and easy though does not always equate with what is best.  There are some things in life that cannot be microwaved or achieved through the quick or easy route.  Even my dog, Jake, got this when he was still alive.  He could always tell the difference between microwave and stove-top cooked popcorn.  Whenever we would make popcorn the old-fashioned way, the way that took way longer, and required much more work, he loved it.  But whenever we would offer him microwave popcorn, he could taste and smell the difference, and would turn his nose up at it. 

Over the past year, there have been many things that have pushed or challenged us as a people that frankly, we would have liked to press the easy button on or been able to microwave through.  Although there have been many heartbreaking things that have occurred because of the pandemic, there have been other things that fall more into the category of inconveniences.  Some of those inconveniences include: wearing face masks, keeping our distance, foregoing large gatherings, not being able to find items at the grocery store, etc.  Despite the difficulties, there have been many positive things that have taken place because of the inconveniences, such as people reporting spending more quality time with their families, rushing around less, not spending so much money, and actually taking a day to rest. 

In the moment, these inconveniences might seem like an unwanted and unnecessary disruption to our lives.  Yet in reality, these aggravations are often the catalysts that God uses to propel us to make needed changes to the way we live.  For far too long, we as a people have been running at a break-neck pace, perhaps not realizing the toll it has taken on us physically, mentally, emotionally, and relationally.  Our frenetic lifestyles have in many ways taken us away from, instead of toward, the abundant life Christ died to give us. 

The Good News for us is that we have a Savior who continues to lead and guide us in ways that are better for us, but that we might not choose for ourselves.  We read in Isaiah 48:17, “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”  During this season of inconveniences, be encouraged that our God continues to love and guide us in the way that is best.  Let’s not allow what is convenient or comfortable to get in the way of God’s best for our life, but instead lean into the new work He desires to do in and through us!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, we thank you for your continuing guidance and direction in our lives.  We confess that the inconveniences we face, at times tempt us to murmur and complain.  Help us to trust in you, knowing that your ways are higher than our ways, and that You always lead us in what is best.  We love you and thank you!  Amen.