What is God’s Timing?

I believe God has a specific calling for each one of us. If you have read any of my previous writings you know that I wholeheartedly embrace this notion. I believe God has created us all unique with special gifts, talents, and strengths. He has allowed us to have various life experiences. I also believe He has placed us in different geographical locations around the globe in order to fulfill His plans and purposes.

Here are 3 suggestions when waiting on God’s timing.

• Recognize God’s timing is not our timing:

I think one of the most challenging things we have to grapple with as believers is the concept of God’s timing. We need to understand His timing is not our own. God operates in the realm of eternity. Eternity has no time constraints.

In our modern technological age we are use to instantaneous results. When we don’t see God working fast enough in our lives doubt can enter our minds. I know it has for me. We may wonder if God has forgotten about us. Or perhaps question His calling for our lives. The temptation here is to quit too soon.

If this is resonating with you at all, I want to remind you that God loves you and He has a plan for your life. Don’t grow weary because things are not going fast enough for you or exactly how you planned. Instead press into God. Lean not on your own understanding, but rather ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom, guidance and direction. Remember what Jeremiah the prophet said,

I know the purposes and plans I have for you says the Lord, plans of a future and a hope. ~Jeremiah 29:11

• Gain a spiritual perspective:

Stepping back and gaining an objective view of what is happening in our lives can be very beneficial. Every now and then we need to take a thoughtful spiritual assessment of our lives. When we do we can gain great clarity, peace of mind, and insight. Here are 4 important questions to ask in order to gain a greater spiritual perspective:

• • What is God doing in my life?
  • Where is He working greatest?
  • What is He teaching me?
  • Where do I need to grow?

Perhaps God desires to deepen your faith. Maybe He wants to reveal something to you during this season about areas of needed growth. Perhaps He wants to give you a new vision. Have you quieted your mind and spirit long enough to sense His direction or calling? During this season ask God to reveal Himself strong. Continue earnestly in prayer asking Him to show you what He wants you to know. I like what David, the psalmist writes.

Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day. ~Psalm 25:4

• Draw near to the heart of God:

God is a jealous God. He desires our whole heart. He wants us wholeheartedly trusting Him. This is important because often we want to place our trust in tangible things, people, or our own experience and accomplishments.

God wants us to learn to place our complete trust in Him. Somehow when we get to a place where we are utterly dependent on Him, He begins to move mightily in our lives. He wants us to know that in our weakness, He becomes our strength, in our uncertainty He becomes our peace, in our wavering and unknowing He reveals Himself strong.

I love the verse in the Bible that says,

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. ~2 Chronicles 16:9

If you sense that God is calling you to something, don’t give up too soon. He loves us. He did not deposit dreams and callings into our hearts not to bring them into fruition: be patient, ask important questions, and trust God for His goodness.