GOD'S TIMING

The phrase "God's timing is remarkable" is a common expression reflecting the belief that God orchestrates events and circumstances to occur at a divine, perfect moment, often leading to positive outcomes or growth, even when these moments are delayed from a human perspective. 

Todays message is for that person who has been seeking God for a breakthrough or an answer to their prayers. The Bible teaches that God doesn’t always answer our prayers immediately, but He does answer prayer! The biblical story of Abraham and Sarah waiting for a child, Isaac, for 25 years, is a test of faith.

 

In Genesis 12:1-4, God makes his first promise to Abraham (then Abram) about giving him many descendants and a homeland.

In Genesis 15, God reaffirms His promise to Abraham, indicating that a son born to him will be his heir.

In Genesis 16, Sarah, finding her wait for a child too long, and suggests that Abraham have a child with her maidservant, Hagar, which leads to the birth of Ishmael. And the big problems we have had through history, and are still having in the Middle East today.

In Genesis 17, God establishes a covenant with Abraham and Sarah, changing their names and promising them a son named Isaac, who will be the heir to the covenant.

In Genesis 18, Visiting angels inform Abraham and Sarah that they will have a son, and Sarah laughs in disbelief.

In Genesis 21, after many years of waiting, Sarah, at the age of 90, gives birth to Isaac, and God answers their request and His plan ultimately leading to the fulfillment of the promise in a perfectly timed way, despite their aging and disbelief. 

Another example of God’s timing is the story of Joseph, where God used his suffering and imprisonment in Egypt to prepare him to save his family and the Israelites. Genesis 37:2 to Genesis 41:46. These two stories and many more in the Bible demonstrate that God's delays are not denials but part of a larger, purposeful plan. 

 

Although God is too wise to err and too good to withhold any true good, His answers may not be instant but will come when they are most needed and best for the individual. 

 

God always answers fervent prayers from an honest heart, though not always immediately or in the way a person expects. God's wisdom dictates His timing and answers, which may be delayed for the petitioner's benefit or for a greater good that serves His purposes. Therefore, believers are encouraged to wait patiently and trust His wisdom, rather than demanding their wishes be fulfilled on their own terms. 

 

Looking at God’s timing, the Bible says, "When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, ... to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." Galatians 4:4, 5.

 

"In heaven’s council, the hour for the coming of Christ had been determined. When the great clock of time pointed to that hour, Jesus was born in Bethlehem.... Providence had directed the movements of nations, and the tide of human impulse and influence, until the world was ripe for the coming of the Deliverer....

 

The deception of sin had reached its height. All the agencies for depriving the souls of men had been put in operation. The Son of God, looking upon the world, beheld suffering and misery. With pity, He saw how men had become victims of satanic cruelty, crime, and violence. He looked with compassion upon those who were being corrupted, murdered, and lost.... It was demonstrated before the universe that, apart from God, humanity could not be uplifted. A new element of life and power must be imparted by Him who made the world.

 

With intense interest, the unfallen worlds had watched to see Jehovah arise to see if He would sweep away the inhabitants of the earth.... But instead of destroying the world, God sent His Son to save it.... At the very crisis, when Satan seemed about to triumph, the Son of God came with the embassage of divine grace. Through every age, through every hour, the love of God had been exercised toward the fallen race. Notwithstanding the perversity of men, the signals of mercy had been continually exhibited. And when the fullness of the time had come, the Deity was glorified by pouring upon the world a flood of healing grace that was never to be obstructed or withdrawn till the plan of salvation should be fulfilled.

 

Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker. None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory."

 

God's timing is perfect, and waiting on His timing builds faith, patience, and reliance on Him. While human understanding may be limited, God's timing is designed to prepare individuals, sometimes by delaying a request to allow for personal growth, and it is crucial to trust His perfect wisdom over one's own desires. Therefore, the advice is to patiently wait for God's perfect plan, rather than rushing to fulfill one's own expectations. 

 

There are three reasons for waiting on God's timing in all things.

 

1.

 Preparation: 

 

God may delay fulfilling a request to prepare a person for it. 

 

2.

Personal Growth: 

 

The period of waiting can be a spiritual journey that builds patience, character, and a deeper trust in God.

 

3.

Divine Wisdom: 

 

God's ways and thoughts are not our ways or thoughts, and His perfect timing ensures that His plans, though different from our expectations, will ultimately work for our good. 

 

Lastly, the Bible encourages all men to "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm 27:14.

 

Waiting on the Lord is not passive idleness, but an active expression of trust and reliance on God's promises, strength, and perfect timing. 

 

Waiting on the Lord encourages a daily, humble communion with God through prayer, fellowship, and service, allowing His divine power to refresh the soul and strengthen the heart as you serve others with a smile in your waiting. Have a wonderful day. 

By GARDEN MINISTRY