Meredith was upset. 

Her red face twisted into a snarl as she let out another cry. It’s amazing how much volume an 11-week-old child can produce.

As I held her, I looked down into her noisy little face and tried to console her.

“Honey, it won’t be much longer. I promise we will feed you soon.”

I don’t think she was listening. She filled her lungs again and hurled another screeching protest.

The day was young; it was only 9:15. Her mom’s note stated that her bottle was due at 9:30.  Now I’m not the sharpest crayon in the grandpa box, but I do know better than to mess with a young mother’s infant feeding schedule.

Even if she is my youngest grandchild.  Even if I hate to see her upset. Even if I hate to listen to her screeching.

But all poor little Meredith knew was, I am hungry now!

So she fussed and she whined and she whimpered. But it was all in vain. She would not get her bottle until the appointed time.

She had herself all worked up. Her face was red. She flailed her little arms around; she kicked her cute little feet. But it didn’t matter. It wasn’t time yet.

Finally, believe it or not, the clock did roll around to 9:30! Who knew?

Her bottle was ready, so I cradled her sweet little baby head in the crook of my elbow and brought the bottle to her lips.

She tugged at that nipple like it was her first meal. After a few moments she slumped limply in my arms. She even cooed at me a little between slurps. All was well in her little world as long as that bottle was stuck in her mouth.

Then I felt a soft spiritual tap on my shoulder, and I realized that this is what we must look like to God when we don’t believe that he is taking care of us.

Our father in heaven loves us to the nth degree more than any of us love our children. He created us. He sent his only son Jesus to die for us. He promises to supply all our needs if we follow him.

But my, don’t we get impatient!

Don’t we so often (and so repeatedly) lose our trust in God’s provision? Don’t we like to fuss and whine and cry when we feel God isn’t giving us what we need?

We can throw a fit, get upset, and make ourselves (and everyone around us) miserable with our complaining.  But it won’t get us anywhere.

God has a plan. He has a time for everything in our lives.

And until God’s time comes, it ain’t gonna happen!

All of our whining and fussing and crying is a waste of energy. God knows what he is doing. He’s been running the universe for quite a while now, and our temper tantrums will not influence his schedule.

In fact, I would be willing to bet that our unbelief actually causes delays. I can easily imagine there are times when God waits for us to settle down and honor him with some trust before he answers our requests.

God is not moved by our complaining. He is moved by our faith.

Whatever is stressing you right now is, in God’s sight, a learning opportunity.

He has already scheduled your answer. He has planned the meeting of your need. He is using this time of waiting to build your faith and teach you to trust him.

God knows what you need. He knows when you need it. And while he is rarely early, he is NEVER late.

There is no good reason for us to get upset or worry about anything. God knows how to take care of us.

God understands how weak we are. He knows what a bunch of cry-babies we are. But he also knows that we need to wait for his timing…for our own good! He is building our confidence. He is growing our faith.

So stop blubbering. Chill out. Go soak in a hot bubble bath. Take some time to thank God for all the blessings he has already given you.

You are going to have to get in sync with God’s schedule anyway.

Wouldn’t it be better to honor him with your faith rather than insult him with your doubt?