Passivity or Waiting?

(Where is the God of our Salvation? - Part 6)
by Mike Rule

In walking with Jesus, sometimes it is hard to know the difference between passivity and waiting on God. Passivity and waiting are alike in that apart from Him we can do nothing, but beyond that point they take separate paths.  A passive person refuses to take action and does nothing when God is clearly leading onward. In contrast, waiting and trusting is a direct response in line with God’s leading.  It might mean taking an action; it might mean being still. Sometimes it takes more power to NOT do something and to wait upon the Lord than to act.

It is easy for any one of us to justify our own position biblically, but true obedience flows out of the intimacy we share with God. Passivity comes out of a fear of doing something wrong and/or looking wrong. The root of passivity is a mixture of fear and unbelief. An underlying passive attitude is akin to possession and says, “God, if you want something done, then You are going to have to do it. I don’t want anything to do with it.”  It is placing the responsibility of choice on God or someone else.  Passivity can even ultimately be manipulative and deceptive. It wants to give the appearance of being on board with God but is unwilling to take responsibility and participate with Him because of the potential personal cost.

On the other hand, waiting flows out of a desire to follow God no matter the cost or what it looks like. (And it usually looks really foolish!!!!!) To wait and trust is the hardest work a person can ever do because the waiting, trusting person chooses to align his will with Christ’s rather than let someone else take the responsibility and choose for him. Those who are waiting stand ready in a responsive position and are willing to participate with God. They are ready to do His bidding, constantly searching, seeking, and trusting. They are active and moving, particularly in their intimacy with God, without forcing an agenda in their own strength. They are willing to be led without attempting to drag God along with them. 

Our financial situation has kept me before Jesus continually, and the struggle has been deciphering whether I am trying to take things into my own hands or refusing to be responsive to Jesus.  It is not always easy, but that is precisely the point of faith!  Though not seeing, we still have trust and confidence in God.  We still believe that He works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Yes, I get concerned about abusing that, but I still have no other place to go except to trust.

Repeatedly over the past five years I have made attempts to fix our situation.  I have made investments, taken side jobs, and plotted and schemed ways to meet our financial needs.  Every attempt I made became a bigger burden than a blessing as God thwarted my efforts.  It finally became clear to me that He wanted me to stay focused on the ministry He has for me and not be distracted by making (or not making enough) money.  He made it clear in the beginning that if I did the work He would provide for us.  I still believe that with all my heart.  I don’t understand the ways in which He will ultimately provide, but then again He didn’t ask me to understand. He only asked me to stay the course and trust. 

Does that mean that I am unwilling to do anything should He direct?  Certainly not.  In fact, I still brainstorm ideas and ponder ways in which our financial difficulty can be resolved.  I am open to thoughts and ideas, knowing that God will give the divine YES when a thought is from Him.  But until He gives clear direction, I will wait.  We will know His leading in two ways: first, the peace of God will rule in our hearts, and second, there will be no insurmountable obstacles to the direction we sense Him leading us to go.

Passivity is refusing to move, rejecting ideas, and passing up opportunities, which ultimately costs a person the peace of God.  Waiting involves an active seeking, trying, moving, and working to seek His direction and will, while letting His peace rule in our hearts.  It is a peace that passes all understanding, and it is worth EVERY trial we endure for it to be refined.  Amen!

Verses for Reflection 

"And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. 'And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.' (Matthew 25:24-25 NASB) [emphasis mine]

A person's fear sets a trap for him, but one who trusts the LORD is safe.  (Proverbs 29:25 GW)

LORD says, "I am the one who strengthens you. Why should you fear mortals, who are no more enduring than grass? Have you forgotten the LORD who made you, who stretched out the heavens and laid the earth's foundations? Why should you live in constant fear of the fury of those who oppress you, of those who are ready to destroy you? Their fury can no longer touch you.  (Isaiah 51:12-13 GNB)

For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.  (2 Timothy 1:7 GNB)

There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life--fear of death, fear of judgment--is one not yet fully formed in love. We, though, are going to love--love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.