Ever feel as if you missed out on something? You are hungry for that brownie, but the kids ate the last ones. You missed getting through the green stoplight by that much and now have to wait for the train, which is in slow motion. The person in front of you won the store giveaway. Missed it by that much. The sale ended the day before. Really?
Ever since you were born a day late or a day early? This year’s calendar for February has 28 days. What does a person do to celebrate a birthday if born on a Leap Year? (February 29) Missed it by that much!
Sometimes I feel as if God has sent me an invitation but it arrived a day late. I read of God’s timing in the Bible and we can read Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.” How about Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord.”
Sometimes I feel as if God has forgotten about me. Ever get left behind? Not a good feeling. How about being the last one picked for the team? A great ego booster … not!
That is what I’m thinking as next week begins the Lenten season. A time of reflection as Jesus makes a journey to Jerusalem. God’s timing of sending His One and Only Son, Jesus, to Jerusalem to die for me and the whole world.
Think of the journey of Jesus walking, gathering everyone’s sins, including mine, and gathering them together to stand before the world and taking them to the cross. I can’t imagine such a demonstration of love. What timing!
The good news of knowing I haven’t been left behind. I don’t miss out. Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.”
That is a strong reminder. As I sit in the car waiting for the train to pass, instead of complaining, be thankful that I don’t see and I’m not involved in the car accident on the other side of the tracks.
Maybe God’s timing is pretty good after all. Join us for a Lenten journey as we walk through the desert/wilderness of our faith. Don’t be left behind. May we arrive at the “Water” refreshed and renewed.
