Why Wait Until Tomorrow?

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 of 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.”

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 onto 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.”
Now, that just makes my skin crawl! We are talking gazillions of frogs, people!

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! Can you even believe that! 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 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 mess.

We could create our own club, I bet. All of us who’ve ever decided, “I’ll start eating healthy next week,” or “I’ll start getting up earlier to pray next Monday,” or “I’ll get back to church in the Fall,” or “I’ll say I’m sorry tomorrow,” … could we raise our hands here?

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.
(And I know that for most of us, the things we are delaying are not usually monumental decisions. It’s the daily habits, priorities, commitments, that would help us create a rich, full life.)

So. Time for a reset? Yea, my hand is waving in the air, too.

What’s one thing that you know you could and should be doing to live your John 10:10 life?  A life that you live fully alive?

Let’s get rid of the frogs that are getting in our way.
I’m constantly reminded that one new action can change my life. Yours too.

Let’s do it together.
Not tomorrow.
Today.

Would you like a little inspiration from me every day?

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Comments

  1. Hi Gaye..its Jody…are your ears ringing? I’m sitting in my cabin alone with my dogs, reading your book, watching your youtube, and scrolling thru your blog. It’s raining outside and the lake is just as beautiful with the raindrops as it is with Sun rays. My family have gone home, Greg back to work. I’m enjoying the quiet and rest and thanking God for all the blessings he has given me and the blessings I don’t acknowledge. You are with me this morning. Thank you for your book, your readings, your inspiration and your love. You are extraordinary Gaye! You have and always will be a very special part of my heart and my life. Love you my friend….

  2. Hi Gaye, I’ve been thinking of you so much lately. So I’m acting on my thoughts. Yes, it’s a busy summer for sure. Lately we’ve attended many funerals. This makes us think of our own mortality. We’re aging, losing our friends & relatives. You are so correct – don’t put off til tomorrow what you must do today! Our Lord lets us know that in His best seller, the Bible.
    Thank you so much for your continued words of wisdom. I love you, my dear friend.
    Mary with a Lou

  3. Oh, Mary Lou, I know what you mean. Yes, you have certainly had your share of funerals. Thank you for your note. It is wonderful being your friend. God is a good God who gives us life!

You are Extraordinarily Significant!