God’s Timing

When we ask God for something, he may respond in various ways; he may say “yes,” “no,” or “wait.” If we are seeking guidance in making a decision, we don’t want to delay when God gives us direction, but we don’t want to get ahead of God. See Psalm 5:3. Rather than being anxious, Scripture teaches us to be still and know that God is in control. See Psalm 46:10; Philippians 4:6,7.

While we are waiting for an answer from God, should we remain idle? Of course not! There is much work to be done that doesn’t require new instruction from God. The Bible instructs us to work, to provide for our families, to witness to non-believers, and to help the poor. We are to love God and love our neighbors. If we continue in obedience to the Lord, he will guide us in his time.

God’s timing may not follow our expectations! Moses spent forty years learning leadership skills in Egypt before he took action to help his fellow Israelites. Then he spent another forty years in exile from Egypt before the Lord called him to lead the Israelites from slavery. And he spent another forty years leading the Israelites as they wandered in the desert. And in the end, Moses only looked into the Promised Land—he didn’t enter. How many of us grow weary waiting forty years for some significant event or direction from God?

Abraham was a hundred years old when his child promised by the Lord was born. Circumstances would seem to indicate that Abraham and Sarah would not have the child, but Abraham trusted God. God has control over circumstances. There was no closed door to Abraham in this instance, because God had spoken to him, promising that Abraham would have many descendants through the promised son. See Genesis 12:2.