Has Time Really Run Out?

Back in 2000, the movie “Galaxy Quest” was released. It was a movie that spoofed the craze generated by television shows and movies involving space travel. In the movie, aging actors from a cancelled television show are still attending conventions and signing autographs for their diehard fans.  Aliens from another galaxy have seen episodes of the show and believe these to be historical documents. They have re-created the spaceship exactly as it was on the television show.  They enlist the actors, who think it is a publicity stunt, to come to the ship to fight a battle to save their world.

In one scene of the movie, the ship is in auto destruct mode. Two of the lead characters maneuver through a series of seemingly insurmountable obstacles to arrive at the disable button. They push the button with several seconds remaining. To their dismay the timer sounding loudly in the background continues to count down toward zero.  Their actions have had no visible effect and destruction seems eminent.

Our lives can feel a little bit like this scene. We may have been obedient to all that we believe God is showing us. We have read the Scripture and followed its directions. We truly believe and are looking to God for His provision in this trial. We have followed the command to put on the armor found in the Ephesians.
“Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. Stand therefore [hold your ground],” (Ephesians 6:13-14a AMP) And here we stand. Circumstances and the voice of doubt are loudly sounding a countdown to disaster.

How we responded in this time is quite revealing. We know that the correct response is to earnestly sing the high praise of God. We continue quoting verses and do everything to stand strong with faith in the One who loves us beyond measure. Still the countdown continues. Doubt creeps in masked as “I don’t doubt God, I doubt myself and my ability to hear Him.” Many similar thoughts may accompany this as we wonder when God will intervene.  We vacillate between confidence and cowardice.

Nine… Eight… Seven…“Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God.” (Psalm 42:5 AMP)  Six… Five… Four…“Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the help of my [sad] countenance, and my God.” (Psalm 43:5 AMP)   David spoke almost exactly the same words in two successive Psalms. There is no doubt that he was struggling to hold on to his belief in God when everything raged around him. “My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, Where is your God?” (Psalm 42:3AMP)

David’s tears were openly shed before the Lord. I don’t read anywhere that he chastises himself for these tears or the accompanying emotions. He doesn’t run away from God embarrassed by his tears and fears. He runs to God with them. David knew the secret that the apostle Paul shared with the Ephesian church prior to his encouragement to stand firm. “In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].” (Ephesians 6:10 AMP)  We, like David, must draw on God’s power.  When we feel weak and most need to be strong we must remember that God is the source of our strength. “The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him.” (Psalm 28:7AMP)

In the movie, the ship is saved when the countdown reaches the number one. The relieved actors realize that the ship was made precisely as it had been in the TV show. To increase the suspense, the ship had always been saved at the last second. According to the script, that was the appointed time. God also has an appointed time to bring about our breakthrough. It is not always at the last possible moment, but it often seems like it.  “For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.” (Habakkuk 2:3 AMP)  Our appointed times will also come.

As you wait on the Lord, do not give up. If you are in a trial and your emotions are a mess, run to God with your tears. Draw your strength from God and stand firm. The timer has not yet reached zero.