God Is Always on Time

“I can’t wait.”

We’ve likely all said those words or undoubtedly, we know the feeling. Deep within our heart and mind we feel impatience seize us and take hold. Maybe we are waiting for good news, a resolution to a situation, or a workplace victory. It could be that we are sitting in anticipation, praying that someone we love will enter into a relationship with Jesus. I’d venture to say many of us are waiting for something significant at this very moment.

As we wait, we must carefully guard our mind and heart against the tendency to question God’s timing. Wow, that can be hard! But while it is difficult, it is worth the fight. After all, as God explains in Isaiah 55:8-9:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

God tells us directly that He is operating in a completely different way and with a completely different perspective than us and yes, that includes our expectations around timing.

Little by Little

One of my favorite explorations of God’s timing is found in the Old Testament. God is speaking to Moses, revealing commands and instructions to this mighty leader. As He does so, God begins to tell Moses about how He will allow for the conquest of Canaan. As God articulates how this is going to happen he says in Exodus 23:29-30:

“I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the wild beasts multiply against you. Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and possess the land.”

God graciously gives Moses a glimpse into His reasoning for the timing, although He owes us no explanation for His marvelous ways. As God explains the timing, and what might be perceived as a delay, we realize it was for the good of the Israelites. The delay allowed for full victory and God’s best for His people.

This is an important lesson for us to grab onto! We may be tempted to be frustrated with waiting but there may be “wild beasts” that God is guarding us against as He works for our ultimate good.

Instead of praying for God’s timing to match your expectation, consider praying that your expectations will adjust to match His will for your life.

Pray for peace in the waiting and that confidence will wash over your soul as you claim the truth that God is for you and His timing is always right.

God is never late.

God is always right on time.