F.T.O.
By Lexi Cole Ellis
“Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.”
Psalm 33:20-22 (ESV)
When our dog, Calvin, was a puppy he could be a little stubborn. After a long time of exercising, we’ll get home, I’ll feed him and he’ll clearly be tired. However, he’ll stubbornly want to stay awake “until Daddy gets home” and paces around the room tiredly. I’ll pick him up and hold him; he’ll resist a little as I force cuddle time. I’ll give him a chew toy and he’ll chew and blink, as he drifts asleep in my arms. We’ve started calling these “breaks” F.T.O. for “forced time-out.” Often, it’s been exactly what he needed. Though it’s a little bit harder now that Calvin is fifty pounds, I’ll still occasionally pick him up and hold him when it’s necessary. He’ll think about jumping away for a minute and then cuddle up, resting his head in my neck, eyes blinking until he falls asleep.
Sometimes, God puts us in a forced time-out because it’s what we need. Not as a punishment, not to be mean, but as to reveal to us a new way, because He knows best. F.T.O. might be an answer to prayer that says “wait” or “no.” F.T.O. might be a plan or timing we never could have dreamed up.
I think of a friend who recently received a “no” from God to plans she had made. Through the tears and “why’s,” she choose to trust that His forced time-out was exactly part of His plan and blessing for her life. What a privilege it has been to look back and see specific ways God was holding her during that time and how His F.T.O. was exactly what she needed. Only our God truly knows what’s for our best...often more so than we do. In the midst of our angst and pacing around, God sometimes picks us up and holds us, showing us His way is best.
When Calvin sometimes needs the forced time-out, I’m thankful for the reminder that we serve a God who has perfect plans for us...and lovingly holds us.
GOING DEEPER:
- When has God used F.T.O. in your life? Is there a situation you can look back on and say “Yup, God’s way was better” or are there circumstances right now where God is calling you to trust His plan?
- What truths do you know about the Lord that you can rely on today as you walk through change or unknown? (Want some ideas? Click on the further reading verses.)
FURTHER READING:
Lexi’s family consists of her, her husband, Andrew, her daughter, Sloane, and her dog, Calvin. She teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.
