Why Wait to Try Something Great?

My family has finally visited a restaurant that we have wanted to try since it first opened many months ago. We have heard very good reviews and have considered eating there on several occasions. The parking lot seems to be full every time we pass by. We have even called ahead to check on the wait time for a table and stopped in only to find that the wait would be nearly an hour long. In both cases we did not have the time to stay and try out the restaurant. We finally chose a time to go out for an early dinner. We had no immediate commitments and we were determined to enjoy a meal at this establishment.

Do we often approach spending time with God in the same manner? We may want to begin regularly meeting with Him. We may have heard great things from others who seek God daily and realize that many Christians regularly dine on His word. But are we willing to take the time out of our busy schedules to come to His table? Opportunities may continue to slip away from us until we have that same determination that today we will not be distracted from our goal.

God’s table is open and we have received an invitation to come and dine. “… everyone who is thirsty! Come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Yes, come, buy [priceless, spiritual] wine and milk without money and without price [simply for the self-surrender that accepts the blessing].” (Isaiah 55:1 AMP)  The cost of this meal is self surrender which includes a surrender of our time and our own will. We must be prepared to let go of other things to open up time to meet with God.

Our experience as first-time visitors to this restaurant exceeded our expectations.  Our waiter provided wonderful service; explaining the menu and suggesting some of his favorite selections. The food all tasted amazing! My husband, son and I all ordered very different dishes. We not only thoroughly enjoyed our own meals; we tasted and enjoyed bites from each other’s plates. Our server checked back with us several times to ensure that everything was just right. His enthusiasm was genuine. Great food, great service and reasonable prices make this an establishment we will definitely return to.

When we come to spend time with God we will find that what He offers will far surpass our expectations. The Psalmist wrote, “O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8 AMP) God is so very good and we are blessed as we meet with Him each day. His word provides nourishment for every area of our lives. He will give us all that we need and more with every meal.

The key is to ensure that we set aside the time to spend with God. We must make a commitment to truly seek Him, even when there is a cost of time, and to sacrifice other things that we could choose to do instead.  “Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13 AMP)  Requiring this time with God as a vital necessity will provide us with meal after meal of delicious, nourishing spiritual food. We will leave our time with Him satisfied and ready to face whatever else our day may bring.

After we left the restaurant we ran a few errands. Although taking the time to enjoy this meal required a bit more than a quick meal at home or at some other restaurants, we still had time to accomplish our other tasks. Likewise God will give us time for other things in our lives. Scripture promises, “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” (Matthew 6:33 AMP)  The Lord will bless us beyond anything that we ask for. He will provide all of our needs and more when we seek His face and His kingdom.

So do not put off visiting the table of the Lord. You will find that the reports of friends who visit regularly are not exaggerated. Your experience will be great and leave you wanting a return visit.