Why Cannot I Follow Thee Now? A Reflection on Chambers’ Devotional
Today’s My Utmost for His Highest devotional by Oswald Chambers brings us face-to-face with one of the most challenging aspects of following Christ: waiting on Him in the "blank spaces" of life. Chambers draws from Peter’s bold question in John 13:37, "Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now?" to highlight the tension between our desires and God’s perfect timing.
The Struggle of the Blank Space
There are times when we deeply long to act, to move forward, or to fulfill what we believe is God’s will, yet He brings us to a standstill. This "blank space" can be one of the most trying experiences in the Christian life. It is in these moments that Chambers urges us to resist the temptation to fill in the gaps with our own plans or efforts.
The blank space may be God’s way of teaching us sanctification—setting us apart for His purposes. Or it might come after sanctification, as He prepares us to serve Him in His timing, not ours. Chambers makes it clear: if there is any doubt, even the slightest hesitation, we must stop and wait. "Whenever there is doubt—don’t."
The Danger of Impulsive Devotion
In the early stages of following Christ, we often feel a surge of devotion and eagerness to act. But as Chambers warns, even a clear understanding of God’s will can lead to complications if we act impulsively.
Peter’s experience is a case in point. He passionately declared, “I will lay down my life for Thy sake.” Yet Jesus, with a deeper understanding of Peter’s heart, responded, “The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied Me thrice.” Peter’s failure came not from a lack of sincerity but from ignorance of his own limitations. His natural devotion, though genuine, was insufficient to carry him through the trials ahead.
How often have we acted on what seemed like a godly impulse, only to find ourselves tangled in difficulties we could have avoided by waiting on the Lord? Chambers reminds us that God’s providential will unfolds in His time, without the heartbreak and disappointment that often accompany our rushed efforts.
The Test of True Discipleship
True discipleship requires more than natural devotion. It demands a deep dependence on Christ, born out of an awareness of our own insufficiency. Peter had to learn this lesson the hard way, as do we.
Chambers challenges us to examine the source of our devotion. Is it merely a natural attraction to Jesus, fueled by His undeniable charm and goodness? Or is it a surrendered life, willing to wait on His guidance, even in the blank spaces? Natural devotion may draw us to Christ, but it cannot sustain us in the trials and tests of discipleship. Somewhere, it will falter.
Waiting in the Blank Space
The blank space is not a void; it is a holy pause where God works within us, shaping our character and preparing us for what lies ahead. It is in the waiting that we learn to trust Him, to rely not on our plans but on His perfect wisdom and timing.
Peter’s story reminds us that Christ knows us better than we know ourselves. His timing is not only for our good but also for His glory. When we wait on Him, we are not wasting time; we are aligning ourselves with His divine purposes.
Living Out the Call to Wait
If you find yourself in a blank space today, resist the urge to act out of impatience or self-reliance. Bring your doubts and uncertainties to the Lord, and trust that He will move in His time. Remember, the path of discipleship is not one of hurried action but of patient obedience.
As Chambers so beautifully puts it, “When it is a question of the providential will of God, wait for God to move.” Let us rest in the assurance that He is working all things together for our good and His glory.
Closing Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the blank spaces in our lives, where we learn to wait on You and trust in Your perfect timing. We are thankful that You continue to shape our hearts to follow Your will, not out of impulsive devotion but through patient surrender. We trust the Holy Spirit to remind us that Your providential plans are always for our good and Your glory. May we walk in step with Your Spirit, even when the path ahead seems unclear. Amen.