One of my favorite stories involving my niece happened fairly recently. It was four in the morning and she woke up. Then that precious little two year old did what most two year olds would do, she cried out for her Mommy.

What makes this story funny is what Shepherd said when she decided what she wanted should be done. Standing in her crib, that darling girl called out, "Mummy. Mummy. Sheppy's awake! Sheppy's awake now! Mummy! Sheppy play! Mum-Mee. I awake!" Save the hour, my brother & sister-in-law were rolling on their sides trying to keep from laughing out loud.

So sure was my niece that it was time for someone to pay attention to her, so determined was she to get herself out of bed that she continued to holler for her Mom. Now you don't even have to have kids to know that 4 AM is not the time for a two year old to be getting out of bed. No matter what she insists or how sure she is that she should be awake, we know better. In fact, we would be crying out to her parents - "WAIT! Do not let her out of bed yet!" We know that she needs to stay in bed; we know that she needs to get a few more hours of sleep so that she is properly prepared for the day.

As I was giggling to myself over that story this morning, God gently prodded at me, "Do you think you are so different? Are you not often so sure that you know what is best for yourself, so impatient to have what you want that you stand where I have put you & holler at me?" Ouch! That bit of truth stung a little!

God led me to a conversation He had with Job. The Lord asked him a series of questions beginning with, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7) So humbled by the end of God’s questioning was Job that he replied, “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.” (Job 42:3)

God, who made heaven and earth, is sovereign. He has the right to rule His creatures as He sees fit. And He is gracious to plan good things for us! He declares, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future!” (Jer. 29:11) Who am I, then, to question what He does and the pace at which He works out His plans?

I am a child who wants to get out of bed too soon, but my sweet Father knows that it’s not time. He knows that I need to stay where He has me, because He alone knows what lies ahead for me. He alone has the authority to name it and call it good. My Father knows the at this moment, I need to stay where He's put me so that I can grow and rest and be prepared for what is next.

Oh Lord, give me the wisdom to be here, in this moment, where You have put me and the faith to trust that Your plans for me are good.