(This is the last new post until July 3. As most of you know, Steve is retiring from the pastorate, after serving forty years in Florida. Mid-June we move to the Midwest, to be close to our sons. And if our daughter and her family would just move east from Washington State, life would be near-perfect!
Packing and unpacking are time-consuming tasks, as you know, so I’ll put the blog on hold for a few weeks.
But please continue to visit! I’ll re-blog some previous posts, and hopefully you’ll find them meaningful again, or perhaps for the first time.)
TODAY’S POST
True or False:
God will do the right thing at the right time.
–Max Lucado
We believe that’s true, right? We can even find scripture to back up that statement:
“I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge uprightly” (Psalm 75:2).
Never in a million years would we say, “This statement is false. God can’t be trusted to do the right thing!”
But we do sometimes wonder why our ideas of the right thing don’t seem to match his idea.
And we do unabashedly wonder about his idea of right timing.
We also wonder why there’s not even a hint of progress toward that right thing we desire. We wonder why God is silent.
But God’s silence is not like that of people. He doesn’t give us the silent treatment in some petty game of payback. And it’s not a case of forgetfulness either.
More than likely God is working on other matters rather than that one we’re focused on– other matters such as perseverance, faith, and spiritual maturity. These character traits and others don’t grow so well if we’re always getting what we want when we want it.
We can rest assured there is purpose in the pause.
And just knowing that can ease our impatience.
Something else that’s important to know, too:
There’s really no such thing as silence with God, because we always have his Word, chock full of glorious promises and encouragement. And it’s always available. (I’m assuming you have an iPhone or computer–you’re reading this post; therefore you have access to a Bible–even if it’s online!)
One of my favorite promises is Isaiah 65:24.
(“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.”)
And one more, also from Isaiah:
“I will accomplish all my purpose” (46:10b).
God is not only working in our behalf now, he foresaw our need and began working toward its fulfillment before we uttered the first prayer. He started arranging events and bringing together people and resources so that at just the right time the right thing will happen.
Notice the “I will” in each of those verses above. Isaiah did not record God’s good intentions. These are promises of the Almighty God of the universe, our always-truthful, always trustworthy Heavenly Father.
WHY DO I WONDER?!
* * * * * * * * * *
I praise you, Heavenly Father, for being reliable and trustworthy. I can’t imagine life without you as my foundation. Thank you for every promise in your Word that gives me support. Once again, I avail myself to your plan, so you can do the right thing at the right time—without the interference of my impatience or doubt!
(Art and photo credits: www.kemingshen.com , http://www.brendaboen.blogspot.com.)
From the Inside Out 