Move Over

Don’t forget to enter yourself in the Family Counter Giveaway!

And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple. 1 King 8:11 NIV

“Come on!” I yelled at the computer screen, not understanding why my program wouldn’t start. I sat staring at spinning rainbows, realizing I needed computer help.

My husband sat happily at his own computer not three feet from me, frolicking in his computer goodness. His lack of spinning rainbows mocked me. “Can you help me!” I spat rather than asked.

“Sure,” he stepped behind me with a casual grin. “What do you need me to fix?”

I took a deep breath and explained the problem to my computer savvy spouse, sure that he could make wrong things right. He leaned over me and began to click the mouse and peck on my keyboard. Click and peck. Click and peck.

“Hmmm. Can you let me sit here?” Alan asked.

“Um, No. Can’t you just fix it while I sit here and watch?”  I hated giving up my spot. It completely took me out of the equation. At least in my seat, I had the semblance of helping.

Click and peck. Click and peck.

“Carol, could you please move? It’s hard to do what I need to do with you in the way.” My once patient husband was being stretched.

“Okay, fine.” I pouted and jumped up.

In the same token, sometimes we need to make way for God.

As much as we want to help in certain situations or think we are doing our best work, God often asks us to move aside and let Him take over.

When Solomon built the temple for the Lord, he spared no expense. As the Ark of the Covenant was brought to the Most Holy Place, Solomon along with the whole assembly of Israel sacrificed “so many sheep and cattle that they could not be recorded or counted.” (1 Kings 8:5 NIV) As the priests carried the ark into the inner room, a cloud of glory filled the temple “and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled his temple.” (v. 11)

I don’t know what services the priests were supposed to perform, but I’m sure it was something important. True followers of the law were probably incensed at the notion of leaving them undone. Nevertheless, the duties were not completed.

Was the task more important than the presence of the God?

Just as I struggle giving up my computer chair so my husband can help, I struggle giving up my plans to allow God to take control. Even when my plans seem good, nothing is better than the presence of the Lord.

Perhaps you have a special calling on your life right now. Maybe you’ve been called to adopt a child, start a ministry, lead a mission trip or write a Bible study. If God has called you to it, don’t be surprised when He shows up. And when He does, move aside and offer a prayer of dedication.

O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below – you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in you way. (1 King 8:23 NIV)

Carol Hatcher

CAROL HATCHER is a wife, mother, teacher, and writer. She taught elementary school for six years when she traded being called “Mrs. Hatcher” for “Mommy.” Carol is a graduate of Proverbs 31 Ministries She Speaks and has served on faculty for the Glorieta Christian Writer’s Conference. Her publishing credits include P31 Woman Magazine, The Upper Room, Thriving Family, CBN.com, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. She is co-author of Your First Year of Motherhood published by Guideposts. She writes devotions for the Internet Cafe, 5 Minutes for Faith, and The Presidential Prayer Team. Carol and her husband, Alan, live in Buford, Georgia with their three children. She and Alan teach marriage classes at their church as well as lead marriage conferences. They hope to encourage others to create marriages that last. Whether writing or speaking, Carol combines her southern humor with her love for Jesus to share how we can learn from our everyday experiences and grow closer to God. Her passion is to challenge others to be bold for Christ by saying, “Use me, Lord” each and every day. Stop by and visit the flock at her personal website “sheep to the right.”

More Posts - Website - Twitter