Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 29, 2014
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days. John 11:5-6
God’s timing is not always our timing. We see the immediate, He sees the long term. We feel pain and desire relief, He sees our pain and offers comfort. We pray for God to do something, He wants us to do something. We want conflict resolved, He wants our resolve to be trust in Him. We want to be an overnight success, He wants our character to grow with our success. We want financial security, He wants us to be generous with what we have. We want meaningful relationships, He wants us to initiate friendships. We want health, He wants to glorify Himself.
God’s timing is all about what He wants for us, not what He wants from us. Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, but He delayed His blessing. He delayed the blessing of healing for the greater glory of bringing Lazarus back from the dead. What we may perceive as the Lord’s indifference, is in reality, His loving patience and grace to provide something better. So, we may be deeply wounded by a broken wedding engagement, but in retrospect we see God’s protection.
Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it” (John 11:4).
God’s timing is all about God’s glory. The Lord’s heart is for relationships to reflect His glory. Thus, we patiently wait on a marriage partner who will bring God the most glory. Outer beauty with inner attractiveness is a catalyst for Christ’s glory. Fearful impatience can push us to settle for less than the Lord’s best. As you are waiting on direction from the Lord, be with the Lord. If Jesus feels distant, ask Him to soothe your soul. Learn how to love better by being loved better.
If you just broke up with a long time love, perhaps you wait before you date. Take a year off from dating and go deeper in your love relationship with your Heavenly Father. Let your heart heal. A year of intense intimacy with God is preparation for a life long marriage of joy built on Jesus. What feels like love delayed is love growing you into a mature man or woman of faith. Jesus wants to love you deeply, so you can learn to love deeply. A sentimental love of your Savior will not sustain you through suffering, but a radical love will. His timing is what’s best.
“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him” (Isaiah 64:4).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the patience to wait on Your best and the humility to glorify You in the process.
Related Readings: Psalm 115:1; Isaiah 30:18; Hosea 12:6; John 17:24; Titus 2:13; Jude 1:21
Post/Tweet today: Fearful impatience can push us to settle for less than the Lord’s very best. #wisdomhunters
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© 2014 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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Waiting patiently is not my strength but I pray God helps me to be still and wait on him!
I agree with all. Very true, and very wise.
This was an on time word from heaven for me. It blessed me, ministered to me, and encouraged me. Thank you.
I was told one day that all timing is of God!
It is really God’s timing. my life is a testimony even though it is not easy to wait patiently not knowing exactly what tomorrow holds but trusting God in all
Praise God. This is absolutely awesome.
Dear Travis,
Thank you for your encouraging words. We are thankful that you were blessed by the devotional, “God’s Timing” and give all the Glory to God!
It never ceases to amaze me when Our Heavenly Father speaks to us through other people, His Word or even a devotional! He loves us that much (and more…)
“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all of your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
Grateful for you,
Gwynne