Psalm 24
The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof;
The world, and they that dwell therein,
For he hath founded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the floods.
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?Or who shall stand in his holy place?
He that has clean hands, and a pure heart.
Although we may think that we need to know every detail of the course of our life, God is really the only one in control of the intricate details of our place in the plan of the Creator. When we arise, it is He who gives us life and breath and strength for the day.
“The very word authority has within it the word author. An author is someone who creates and possesses a particular work. Insofar as God is the foundation of all authority, He exercises that foundation because He is the author and the owner of His creation. He is the foundation upon which all other authority stands or falls.”- RC Sproil
How many times have I thought that I had my plans and my schedule all organized and prepared to only have it be delayed, changed, or completly canceled?
Those are times of introspection and growth if we depend on God. On a recent trip I had high hopes to arrive at my destination, organize things quickly, and spend time in fellowship with dear friends that I have not seen in at least two years. I long to touch base and to enjoy their companionship. However, After the first week, I came down with a virus. I am weak and unable to leave the house since I do not want to spread my sickness to others. So, I am in a waiting period.
Times of Waiting
*Make us more obedient
*Encourage transformation
*Define our character
*Teach us patience
*Prepare us for the future
I am reminded of Jacob in the Bible when he was waiting on Rachel. He had to show fortitude and wisdom in his waiting to obtain what was in store for him. We, too, must remember that with God all things are in His perfect timing and therefore there is a purpose in the wating. God is in the details of every situation and so it is useless to become stressed, upset, angry, impatient, or rebellious in our attitude as we continue on in a period of wating. Accepting God’s will rather than choosing to opt for our plan is worth it. When we try to manipulate the details and orchestrate our own plan without God’s approval that puts us at enimity with God and hinders our relationship with Him.
If you are in a time of waiting, or a plan or project that you felt ready to begin is delayed or canceled, please know that God is in the details and He knows best. Once, I was stressed about not getting onto a flight on a guest pass for a friend. We had to wait at the friend’s home until the next day when he delivered us back to the airport in Atlanta. I had cried, because I was so upset that we had to wait an extra day. With my five children along on the trip, I was overwhelmed and tired. However, when we heard the international news the following day we discovered that the delay had protected us from arriving in São Paulo, Brazil on the day when many were killed in flooding in the area around the airport. We may never know the reason for which our plans or changed or how we have been cared for by our Heavenly Father, but it is safe to trust in His will and in His timing.
Our submission to God’s timing in our waiting is evidence of our respect for God’s authority.
HOW CAN WE TRUST THAT GOD IS IN THE DETAILS DURING OUR TIMES OF WAITING?
A few verses for encouragement:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven
Galatians 6:9 – And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not
Psalms 37:3-4 – Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed
Lamentations 3:25-26 – The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him
Romans 13:1
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
