Trusting In God’s Timing

Some friends and family like to call me a trigger puller because I’m the type of person who doesn’t sit around and wait once a decision has been made. I immediately do what was discussed or decided. I’m the same way when it comes to what I’m praying for or what I feel like God is telling me to do. The problem I run into is that God will often reveal what He’d like me to do or where He’d like me to go, but the door will be closed in that moment. After I try to kick it in a few times, I’m reminded to wait on His timing and leading. Most of the time He’s not waiting on me to be ready to obey. Instead He’s waiting on me to develop and grow more before I’m able to handle what He wants to lead me into. If we’re following God, then we must let Him lead with His timing and direction.

In Numbers 9, God had told the Israelites that the Promised Land was theirs. However, they weren’t ready to receive it. What should have taken a week or so to walk, was taking a lot longer. They had to learn to trust God and His leading. Verse 22 says, “Whether it was two days or a month or a year that the cloud [of the Lord’s presence] lingered over the tabernacle, staying above it, the Israelites remained camped and did not set out; but when it was lifted, they set out” (AMP). God’s timing and movements were unpredictable. Sometimes they stayed at a place over night, and others much longer. They had to learn to move when He moved before they were ready to receive what was promised.

Psalm 27:14 says, “Trust in the Lord. Have faith, do not despair. Trust in the Lord” (GNT). This was written by David before he was anointed king. He was someone else who had to trust the Lord’s timing. It was 14 years after he was anointed until he became king. God used that time to prepare him and the people. How long have you been waiting on God’s timing? Like His presence leading Israel, it may seem unpredictable, but keep trusting in Him. Don’t try to force it. In this period of waiting, ask God, “What do you want me to know while I wait? And what do you want to grow in my?” You may not be able to understand his “why” for the delay, but you will be able to understand what He wants you to know and grow. In the mean time, keep trusting in Him and His timing.

Photo by Jeremy Perkins on Unsplash