Have you ever seen a little kid who’s just a bit too short on one end? They’re up on tiptoe to see what the “big people” see. Perhaps you’ve been on tiptoe to catch a glance of something. Interestingly, that’s a good way to approach each day – living on tiptoe!
Living On Tiptoe
When you see someone – picture that cute little kid – standing on tiptoe, it makes you smile.
- They could be looking at a yummy cake on the counter they are just not tall enough to see. However, they are tall enough to swipe a finger through the icing for a personal taste-test.
- A youngster hopes for just a glance at something in a window shop. Perhaps an older sibling describes a toy they’d love to have. So, their sibling wraps arms around their middle to lift them up for a peek.
- Another child just wants to see if mom or dad are still looking out for them at the park. After their “on tiptoe search” and being assured, they go back to blissful play time.
Haven’t you been there? You’d just like to dip your finger into something (not necessarily food), or purchase an item on your bucket list, or simply be assured someone who loves you is still looking out for you.
Well, I can assure you –
- God has lots you can swipe your finger into for a good taste of who He is.
- He knows you well and will supply all your needs. Oftentimes, He surprises you with that special something (if you wait patiently).
- God is still looking out for you – and wants to assure you of His eternal commitment.
So, keep living on tiptoe! Never lose the desire to get a bigger peek at what God is doing and who He is.
Living On Tiptoe And Suffering
Suffering is a very real element in our broken world. Plus, it’s costly. When you suffer, you need –
- Help.
- Love.
- Comfort.
- Intervention.
- Mercy.
- Companionship.
- Guidance.
In other words, it’s not inconsequential when you suffer. During times of suffering, look immediately to Jesus in the three ways we’ve already explored.
- God wants you to swipe your finger into who He is and what He can provide.
- He will supply all your needs – and oftentimes surprise you with something special. So, wait patiently.
- God is still looking out for you – and wants to assure you of His eternal commitment.
Your present sufferings are difficult, perhaps terrible. They may be extremely unfair and severely shape your life and future. As you endure them, it’s trivial to say they will fade in effect over time. Rather, when you groan inwardly as you live through sufferings, you need hope.
Living On Tiptoe Makes A Difference
It’s not just you. Many people want to do the best they can in their lives. Actually, “living on tiptoe” makes a difference. Subsequently, you can make a difference by remembering some things.
CREATION – Sadly, creation suffers in ways God never intended – because of our sin problem. In good conscience, you can’t deny the effects of pollution, careless disregard, littering, war, and more. This is not God’s design.
PEOPLE – In the same way, humanity has been significantly affected. We lost the position of “heir” and “rulers.” Instead, nations and individuals often live in degradation, loss, and chaos. Subsequently, personal relationships and global diplomacy suffers. Plus, people endure disease, hunger, death, broken hearts, and even despair. This is not God’s design.
So, what practical things can you do to make a difference in creation and the human condition? Somehow – get involved.
Realistically, getting involved is living on tiptoe. Because of all Christ accomplished on earth, you can have eager expectation each day. Additionally, you can lean forward into a new reality even before Jesus returns.
Living on tiptoe is knowing today matters – plus a new day is coming forever.
People And Creation Live On Tiptoe
For now, creation and people are in bondage. Sufferings engulf us, the animal kingdom, the plant kingdom, the very earth, itself. The planet and all people long to be set free. So does our solar system, galaxy, and universes God created.
God’s Word says creation groans (Rom. 8:22), just like you may groan under extreme stress and strain.
Look at today’s world:
- Storms lash and destroy.
- Flood waters drown and damage.
- Fires snuff out life and lick up resources.
- The earth quakes and loses its foothold. Crushing and devastating.
- Living things die.
- Predators plunder and kill.
- Animals search for food and humans eek out a living.
- We get diseases. We die.
- Yes, we all groan.
Surely, this was not the original plan!
Interestingly, Jesus accepted all this was His to redeem. Rev. 21:5 says, “I am making everything new!”
You know, I’ve found myself wondering if we’ll have the incredible privilege of seeing the “second creation.” Is. 65:17 says, “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth.” Is. 66:22 says, “. . . the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before Me . . .”
The Bible doesn’t say if we get to watch this. However, can you imagine it? Maybe, sitting on heaven’s lawn chairs with a front seat view? Can you imagine “ooo’s” and “awww’s” as everyone watches Jesus make the new heaven and earth? Utterly amazing! Popcorn anyone?
People and creation live on tiptoe. It’s just reasonable.
Living On Tiptoe And Hope
In this life, when hope is gone, there is nothing left. Good news – there is still hope. Hope is something a person waits for, looks for, eagerly expects.
Rom. 8:24 says, “Who hopes for what they already have?”
When hope is fulfilled, you no longer need it. Meanwhile, it holds you steady. To live inside hope is to live in a reality bigger than your present difficulties. Namely, to live in the realty established in Christ.
Thankfully, the three things we’ve talked about are for everyone. When others suffer, you can help with their needs like God does for you. So, be creative and practical to show you are looking out for them.
Frankly, we need hope today. So, we continue to stand on tiptoe.
Man Of Sorrows – Hope Purchased
We frequently mention Jesus as “Man of Sorrows.” Incidentally, this is relevant to today’s content.
Jesus suffered side by side with people. He knows exactly how it feels to suffer long and hard. Having no sin in His heart, He took all infirmities, burdens, sufferings, and sins to the cross – away from you.
QUESTIONS – Do you need hope? Are you groaning inside as you suffer?
The “Man of Sorrows” shares your sorrows. Ask Him for help. He purchased your hope.
Man Of Joy – Hope Guaranteed
Equally, we mention Jesus as “Man of Joy.” This, too, is relevant to today’s content.
Why is Jesus also called “Man of Joy?” Because He brings hope. God’s hope does not disappoint because He continually pours His love into you. (Rom. 5:5) When life gets hard, Jesus holds you up. His Spirit quite literally lives in you.
Is. 65:24 says, “Before they call, I will answer. While they are still speaking, I will hear.”
Why not turn to the “Man of Joy?” He’s ready and waiting to help. He guarantees hope.
Joy And Sorrow Co-exist
God has prepared an eternity of joy for you. Because of His love, you can experience His joy even in your sorrows as you wait for that day. For now, sorrow and joy co-exist. God is working His brilliant plan. Hope will be fulfilled and things will be restored to the original design. It’s coming!
Scripture says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no human mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Cor. 2:9)
Imagine – if you dare. You will be a “person of joy” always. Gone will be the “person of sorrow.” Joy and sorrow will no longer co-exist when that times comes. The Man of Sorrows and Joy is actively working His extraordinarily strategic plan.
Creation is groaning with birthing pain. The grown-up baby is coming back soon!
Before we explore the application thoughts and questions –
Now, for our application.
Application Thoughts And Questions
Are you living on tiptoe?- Do you focus on good still present, even in sufferings?
- Do you turn to Jesus to pull out of a perspective of hopelessness and get back into hope?
- How can you ease the suffering of creation? Get involved.
- How can you ease sufferings in relationships and around the world? Get involved.
- Do you wait with hope and eager expectation for Jesus to return?
A Bible Study For Your Quiet Time!
* Portions of this content come from my book – It’s Your Move – a devotional book that takes you through Romans and powerfully challenges you to live with perspective and purpose. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
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