And yet, and yet…

“I missed the moment.”

Currently I’m listening to the book Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky. I generally love the craziness that expresses itself through Russian writing, and especially how writers like Dostoevsky weave philosophy, spirituality, and creative thinking into their stories.

The above quote comes from a passage where a demon (or the devil…book’s not very clear on that) is talking about his role in the world and what a shame it is. In particular to the above quote, he’s saying to another character (an atheist) that he saw all of the glorious moments of Jesus ascending into heaven and in his heart wanted to emit a “Hosanna.” But he admitted that he missed the moment and chalks it up to his diabolical nature.

Admittedly the whole dialogue between Ivan and the devil is pretty strange, but that quote stopped me. How meaningful is it that that devil proclaims that he missed a moment, and that decision determined the remainder of his trajectory. As the Father of Lies, it’s really an interesting thought. And for regular people, it’s even more interesting.

Many times when I’m talking with someone through life issues, they’ll bring up that fear of “missing the moment.” There is an idea that if we’re not diligent that the God-given plan for our lives will never come to pass and that we’re doomed to lesser things as a result. Because of this, many lead their lives in paralysis, afraid to anger a God whose plan is so mysterious and hard to find.

Yet is that the way God’s mind works with us? What about Psalm 23, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, You are with me.” What about 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” What about Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you might discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Friends, we will all fall from the path. We will all miss the moments.

Praise Jesus that He walks with us along the way.

We find His will not in a fatalistic plan but in a relationship with Him. It is found in His perfect, eternal grace. It is found in the confession of sin and His faithfulness to restore. It is found in the mercy and joy of the Father who runs to meet His prodigal son. In a word, Jesus’ will for you is His heart.

And His heart misses none that would seek it.