Let’s look at a subject that so many of us have prayed about at some point in our lives – God’s timing. Specifically, how it is almost never our timing. And how incredibly frustrating that can be.
Let’s be honest, we’ve all prayed those “Lord, please do this by Friday at 7:00 p.m.” prayers. Oh, I know you have!
Do we think God is in heaven taking appointments like some sort of divine doctor’s office? “Yes, sir, we’ve got Mrs. Jones down for a job offer at 2:45 and I have a parking spot reserved for Mr. Johnson at the Denny Sanford Premier Center at 6:10 for the concert.”
We all pray for silly things now and then, don’t we? But what happens? Friday comes and goes. No job. No parking spot. And now you’re circling the Denny Center lot wondering if this is a test of faith or if the devil drives a Prius.
Now, I’m aware of what Isaiah says:
Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
“But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
Awesome verse. But it doesn’t say how long we have to wait. Some of us have been “renewing our strength” so long that our earlobes are resting on our shoulders.
Okay, who remembers Lazarus? Jesus’ buddy? The one who died? When Jesus heard Lazarus was sick, He didn’t rush. He didn’t open his phone and click the Uber app to catch a ride over to Bethany. He waited two more days.
Imagine Martha texting Jesus, “Hey, just checking … you coming?” and seeing the read receipt … but no reply. When Jesus finally arrived, Lazarus had been dead four days. That’s a tad more than just being fashionably late.
Here’s the thing. If Jesus had come on their schedule, he’d have done a healing. But no, he came on his schedule. He did a resurrection. A healing is impressive, but a resurrection is next level!
Sometimes God’s delays are not to frustrate us, but to teach us that he’s not late … he’s just setting up a miracle that is more important than our schedules.
And yet, we struggle with waiting. Have you ever been behind someone at a green light who doesn’t move? It’s probably the Prius from the Denny Center.
But isn’t that how some of us feel with God? “C’mon, Lord, the light’s green! I’m ready! Let’s go!” And God’s like, “Actually, that light is green because I’m letting them go first and you have to let go of your Prius issues.”
Hear me on this, God’s timing may not come with phone notifications, but it’s never wrong. You don’t need to sync your iPhone calendar with heaven. You just need to trust the One who is in control. God’s never in a hurry, but he’s never late.
So breathe. Wait. Laugh a little. And trust him to show up right on time.
