Often it's not until after the event that we can see how God's timing was well placed.
2 Peter 3.1-9
Reference: v.9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (NIV Bible)
Explore: There is no doubt that the busier I am, the more impatient I become. When I am on holidays I am always happy to let other cars merge in front of me, I happy to wait longer in line at the check out and I don't mind if my husband is late home from work at all. However, when I have so much to accomplish throughout the day all this patience goes out the window. It seems that every 10 seconds is crucial to me getting successfully through the whole day.
Surely God has so much more to do in one day than I do. My logic then says that he should answer me really quickly so he has enough time to get onto other people's requests!! Unfortunately for me (and yet fortunately for the sake of our world!) God does not function like Linda Bailey. Time takes on a whole different meaning for our God who is the Beginning and the End, all-knowing, all-seeing, all-hearing and forever.
Application: While we may never fully understand God's timing that is where our faith becomes such a vital part of our life and our decisions. Often it's not until after the event that we can see how God's timing was well placed. However, when you are in the moment, all you want is closure or answers. I think I've mentioned before the quote I heard from Jentezen Franklin: 'When one door closes, another door opens… but it's hell in the hallway.' And yet while it is 'hell in the hallway' this can often be a time when our faith and dependence on God really grows. God's timing may not be according to our plan, but we can guarantee that the Lord of all the Universe has a better understanding of time than we will ever have.
Prayer: Lord, forgive my impatience. May my faith be strong enough to trust in your timing. Amen.
When have you felt that you have had to wait on the Lord?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.