One of the things I may hate more than anything is to be late for something. My wife often says my view seems to be that if I’m not early, I’m late. The truth is I don’t like to rush. I like to be where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there, but also in time to relax and be prepared mentally for whatever the function might be. When having to travel some distance I try to leave plenty of time for any possible delays. If I am meeting someone somewhere, I try to make it so I wait for them, rather than them having to wait for me. However, I must admit my inclination to not be late usually gets us places way earlier than is really necessary.
God’s timing, on the other hand, is superb. Our Creator — the One Who is not limited by time (2 Peter 3:8) — has brought His plans to fruition at the precise time He has deemed right. Though His people through the ages have been pictured living in great anticipation of the fulfillment of His prophecies, each has (or will) come to fruition in His perfect time.
Reading through the Gospel of John I have always been captivated by the statements regarding God’s time. From the first mention by Jesus of “My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4), to His first “The hour has come” (John 12:23), and to His “It is finished” (John 19:30), we see God’s perfect timing played out on our behalf. There was no hurrying it. It would not be disrupted. All was to take place in accordance with God’s Divine plan.
Paul declared it this way:
“(4) But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, (5) to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5 ESV)
Jesus came when it was time! He gave Himself to redeem us; to purchase us back for God by the power of His blood. He was not taken before it was time. (i.e. John 7:30 & 44; 8:20; 10:39) However, when the time came, Jesus willingly went (John 18:4-8) and willingly laid down His life, only to take it up again, as He Himself had foretold. (John 10:17-18)
God’s timing! May we be encouraged by it. Let us trust it. After all, it is His purposes which shall ultimately stand. (Proverbs 19:21)
Have a great day TRUSTING GOD THROUGH EACH HOUR!
Carl
