Blame it on getting up to early. Or perhaps, blame it on lack of a good night’s sleep. Either way, what I did was ridiculously negligent and irritating at the time. But now, I just laugh thinking about it.
I have one of those coffee makers that you can set to brew automatically at a specific time. Almost every night I set it up to brew early in the morning before I wake up. There’s nothing like being able to pour a fresh cup first thing after getting out of bed.
Last night, however, I forgot to set the coffee maker. As you can imagine, I was a bit disappointed walking into the kitchen early this morning.
Already frustrated, I poured water into the brewer and placed the coffee in a filter. Then, I hit the “on” switch and went back to bed. I set the timer on my phone to go off in ten minutes. It was going to be a “do over” morning.
After the timer went off, I got up eager to grab my coffee. I could smell it as I approached the kitchen. The delicious aroma filled my hallway. In fact, the smell was stronger than usual.
I walked into the kitchen and couldn’t believe what I saw –there was coffee running all over my countertop and onto my floor. The burner plate on the coffee maker was sizzling and a slight burning smell was accompanying the rich aroma of coffee beans. I had forgotten to put the coffee pot in place.
Unfulfilled expectations are difficult to swallow –especially when they are due to your own neglect. From time to time, everybody forgets details, misses a crucial meeting, or neglects a vital task.
But it’s always good to remember that God never fails. He never forgets. He is forever faithful.
Of course, sometimes, in the mystery of His providence, it may appear that He has forgotten us. When circumstances become difficult, we often wonder, “Where is God in all of this?”
Whether we realize it or not, these are actually opportunities to strengthen our faith. Commenting on such time, the apostle Peter said, “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3-7).
God is in control even when you can’t see Him working. So when it feels like your entire life is being spilled out of control like a coffee maker with no pot, remember, He is perfect, He is in control, He is faithful.