This has got to be the most extreme case of procrastination ever recorded. I mean, really.
The “Plague of the Frogs” story in the Bible is almost too much to comprehend (Exodus 8).
Check this out…
Pharaoh is the new king in Egypt, and he really does not care for God’s people, the Israelites. He’s worried about the growing size of their group and potential strength. So, he “put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor.” (Exodus 1:11)
Then Moses is born. (And if you haven’t read this guy’s story in a while, it’s a fantastic read. Love, murder, redemption, power, forgiveness, miracles, drama…it’s all there. Exodus 2-7.)
The Lord calls Moses to lead His people out of this horrific situation. God’s plan? It includes plagues.
So get this…
The Lord sends a plague of frogs into the land of Egypt, since Pharaoh will not let the Israelites worship their God. “They will come up into your palace and your bedroom and onto your bed, into the houses of your officials and on your people, and into your ovens and kneading troughs.” (Exodus 8:3)
Now, that just makes my skin crawl! We are talking gazillions of frogs!
Pharaoh recognizes that the God of Moses can perform miracles and asks Moses for help with the frogs.
“Pray to the Lord to take the frogs away from me and my people, and I will let your people go to offer sacrifices to the Lord.” (Pharaoh doesn’t keep his end of the bargain, but that’s a whole ‘nother story!)
Moses responds, “I leave to you the honor of setting the time for me to pray for you and your officials and your people that you and your houses may be rid of the frogs…”
And what time does Pharaoh choose? “Tomorrow.”
Tomorrow! Let’s just pause a moment and consider the implications of his decision. They have been invaded by frogs – in their homes, food, cupboards, beds – and Pharaoh delays getting relief until TOMORROW.
Good grief.
And then I stop and consider his procrastination.
Gulp.
I’ve done the same thing. Made the same timing decision.
The right choice, the right plan, the strategy for getting me to where I want to go…it’s all right there in front of me. Yet I decide to wait. Procrastinate. And my reason/excuse is just part of the froggy, smelly, slimy mess. (And my excuses usually begin with words like After … When I … Not ready …)
We read in John 10:10 that Jesus came to give us a full, abundant life. He has good things planned for us. And too often, I – and perhaps you too? – respond with … tomorrow will be just fine.
When God makes His intentions for us clear –
about our health, our work,
our relationship with Him –
He means business.
He wants THE VERY BEST for us.
Today. This moment.
So. Time for a reset? Yea, my hand is waving in the air, too.
Consider this:
What’s one thing that you know you could and should be doing to live your John 10:10 life? A life in which you live fully alive?
Let’s get rid of the frogs that are getting in our way.
That one new action that you know can make a difference … do it.
A full, abundant life is ours today. Let’s make the choices that help us discover it.
Let’s do it together.
Not tomorrow.
Today.
P.S. THIS is so encouraging! Psalm 119:35 (NLT): “Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.” I’m choosing HIS path and finding happiness! You too?
