Life does not always go according to plan. Expectations are not met, people disappoint and unexpected things happen. You cry out to God and it seems He is silent. You grow impatient, waiting for God to respond.
Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, “Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him (Exodus 32:1 NASB).”
You take things into our own hands, surmising that waiting isn’t an option. Surely what I want to do must be what God wants. Then someone gives you an idea, encouraging you to act now instead of waiting on God. It seems reasonable. It makes sense.
Aaron said to them, “Tear off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” Then all the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears and brought them to Aaron (32:2-3).
Suddenly you find yourself before a shrine to an answer crafted by someone else — shaped into image of what you think is the answer. God still hasn’t showed up, so this will work for now. Tomorrow you celebrate to the Lord for the answer to your prayer.
Now when Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.” So the next day they rose early and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play (32:5-6).
© 2022, Chris G Thelen
140 Character Christian 
Oh, the disastrous consequences of our impatience! As for examples in the Bible, I think of Abraham and Sarah, tired of waiting for the child of promise, getting a son for Abraham through Sarah’s handmaiden. And the boy Ishmael became the father of the Arab race, and there’s been trouble between his family and Isaac’s family ever since.
Another good example of impatience. The Bible gives us such good guidance on living life according to God’s plan and what can happen when we stray. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
A dangerous human impulse led to a catastrophic sin that day. Spiritual leaders must not give in to clamors for instant gratification. Rather, pastors must teach the whole counsel of scripture, teaching believers to live in hopeful patience in this already/not yet present age.
Thanks for sharing those thoughts. Too often I am thinking about the short term when God has the long term in mind. It’s important to have leaders and others who can point us toward God’s long view. Blessings.
We humans are not good at waiting. 😕
So true.