"Even if we forgo the heavy matters about goals, values, and eternity, the more mundane concerns about change still dog us. For some people, change is dramatic, sudden, and substantial, a hoped-for but often unexpected transformation or enlightenment that is miraculous (or at least described as miraculous). The rarity of such change, however, has been corrupted by our quick-fix, fast-food culture which expects change to always be instantaneous...What's more, many Christians carry this attitude and intertwine it with assumptions of miraculous and magic-like cures because they think God is committed above all else to their happiness." (Clinton & Ohlschlager, Competent Christian Counseling, 2001, p. 224).
Shnikes! This was written ten years ago?! If it wasn't for the fact that I can stare at the copyright date, I would have thought this was spoken about 2013. There are facets of this quote which I have no problem with, but then there is the part about believing 'that God is committed above all else to my happiness', and I hit the roof. The bad theology in the thought is appalling! [Disclaimer: I am in no wise making fun of or belittling the fact that God does still choose to miraculously heal hearts, lives, relationships, and I'm so grateful for the reality, but He chooses to do so on His terms, not ours]. It's almost as if change and healing has to take place because God doesn't want me to go through suffering, and He always wants me to be happy. I realize the quote doesn't go as far as I am, and therefore I'm setting up a "straw-man" but there may be some who take this thought to an extreme. Suffering is part of the life-of-faith. It may not be a glamorous portion that is toted as the greatest thing ever, but just because I'm not happy all the time or I experience pain doesn't then mean God isn't sovereign or good; He is.
For many, we crave the miraculous and quick healing that God can bring about. There is nothing wrong with praying and hoping for faster healing or quicker change, as long as we are yielded to the will and timing of God. We also need to realize instantaneous healing is the exception rather than the norm. As one who is headed into a field (counseling) where I'd love to see immediate results, I'm also writing this as a reminder for myself to recognize the reality check I'll face. Change takes time, work, effort, and the grace of God. I'm certainly not the One who will bring about lasting change, which is comforting. Ultimately, this waiting on change process is not about me. Rather it is about the glory of God because His timing and methods for imparting change are perfect. Therefore, I can have patience and am reminded to not be in such a hurry.
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