December 5, 2007

Understanding God's Timing

In the book of Genesis we read of the man known as Abram (or Abraham). At the age of 75 he is given a promise by God to be a great nation. God calls him to leave his home and go where He leads him (Genesis 12). Abraham willingly follows and does as God has commanded him. But time moves slowly and the great nation doesn't materialize as quickly as Abraham may have expected. He questions God and God reaffirms the promise (Genesis 15). Again, time moves slowly so Abraham and Sarah take matters in their own hands and Abraham has a son by Hagar (Sarah's maidservant). Now, once again, God comes to reaffirm the promise He had made to Abraham (Genesis 17). Abraham laughs at God, as does Sarah, when they hear of God's plan to begin to fulfill the promise when they are both old. Finally, at the age of 100 years old, Abraham and Sarah have the promised son, Isaac (Genesis 21).

Promise made...25 years of waiting...promise kept. In those years Abraham had his ups and downs of believing and obeying the God who made the promise. He even tried to help God out along the way.

Aren't we the same??? Don't we often question the plans of God and the timing of God in our lives? Don't we expect God to move faster or move the way we think He ought to? Don't we step in and try to give God a helping hand every once in a while?

I am struck by the phrase in Genesis 21:2, "Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him". God is never late...He is never forgetful in keeping His promises...He is never too far from us to see us and gently remind us of all that He has promised.

So the question is, will you and I believe the promises of God and wait for Him to accomplish what He wants in our life? Will we put our own timeline aside and allow God to work "at just the right time"?

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