When I was 15 years old, I took part in a school project where we had to take pictures from a shot list, go through all the steps of developing our Kodak film roll, in a dark room. Seems really vintage and strange now, hey?
Remember the days when you didn’t know how a photo would turn out until you received the developed result? I remember my teen years, the excitement of taking pictures – sure, we all knew that some of them would be unusable but there were gems in there. The anticipation of receiving your developed pictures, walking to the mailbox each day checking if they had arrived yet. Yes, this was pre instant notification via email. In fact, it was pre Google, you just had to wait.
While you waited, someone was working in a dark room developing the film you submitted. Someone whose only goal was to ensure that your pictures would be developed well. Should a picture be out of frame or focus they’d put a little sticker that had a red x or “out of focus’ written on it. You didn’t know the end result of your pictures until you received the results back – you had to wait as a professional worked on them.
Recently, I have been challenged and reminded that this is exactly how God works in my life. I’m snapping pictures and videos of my life, hoping and believing for a desired outcome. Nowadays, I have a smart phone, computer programs, which allows me to instantly intervene, using filters and tools to alter or delete the picture I’m not happy with. I’ve stopped waiting and being patient for the developed result to come back. I’ve taken matters into my own hands and decided which pictures are good and which aren’t. I’ve subconsciously cut out the person in the dark room, because I’m not willing or patient enough to wait and see what the outcome will be. He’s giving His all to develop the pictures taken to make something beautiful out of it. Can you relate?
We live in a world of instant gratification, a time where we can order, track and trace everything within a few seconds. If we have to wait for something that we really desire or hope for, it can become very challenging. Take heart! There is someone in the dark room working on your behalf, developing the things you are hoping, praying and contending for. Let’s rediscover the excitement and anticipation in our time of waiting, to experience the joy of receiving the result from the one person that’s been working on it all this time. God is always working in the waiting.
Andrea Kavora
Andrea has been serving with YWAM Townsville, full time since 2018. She has a background as a florist and is passionate about cultures, languages and helping those in need. She loves serving alongside her husband Ken, throughout PNG & Australia!
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