“The Lord’s delays are not denials.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 7, 2021
Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14
I spoke with a friend yesterday who is trying to work out a particular housing dilemma with a rental that she owns with her husband. While talking with me she said, “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned just to let things unfold and not try to force an outcome too soon.”
Her comment inspired me and reminded me of John 3:27: “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven.” This scripture is a reminder that God is the Giver of all that is, and also that everything that He gives is perfectly timed.
In John 16:12, Jesus said to his disciples, “I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it.” What God gives and the timing with which he gives doesn’t only have to do with things He tells us, but also with everything that comes from His hand.
If He purposely withheld certain truths from the disciples because it was not yet time, won’t he also withhold answers to prayer, the fulfillment of dreams and goals, and other blessings until the time is perfect?
As someone who likes to try to make things happen, this can be difficult. But when we don’t wait on God, we get things out of order and messes happen.
Remember when you were small? What if your parents gave you a car when you were five years old in preparation for your sixteenth birthday and your new driver’s license? You wouldn’t appreciate it, not be able to utilize it, and you would miss out on the joy of receiving it at the right time if only your parents had waited. Not only do the things that God gives us come from His hand, but all that He gives is perfectly timed because He is perfect, and His love is perfect.
When I think about this there is a part of me that feels powerless and small, and a little (can I admit it?) angry. I am not in control of everything in my life. But such futile emotions are only for the rebellious and distrusting. But for the child who trusts her Father, the one who learns to relax in revelation, waiting on Him can be filled with anticipation, much like a child anticipates the joy and fun of Christmas.
I really want to be able to rest more like my friend does in God’s unfolding plans, in the unfolding of the things He gives in his time. How about you?
As you wait, remember: the Lord’s delays are not denials. Sometimes we think we are waiting on God, when he is really waiting on us to grow so we are ready for what He has coming. Like the child who would not be ready to receive a car when she was five, there are things we are not ready to receive in our lives until we have grown and developed more character.
You can rest assured that at the right time, God will unfold His plans according to His will, His love, and perfect wisdom.
No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven.
“Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the Lord our God, Until He is gracious to us” (Psalm 123:2).
Prayer
Lord, I admit. I don’t like waiting. Help me to remember that if I cannot rest now in the plans that you are unfolding I will miss the joy of the present. You aren’t just working in the future when the fulfillment of what I want happens. Life is full of you right now. Help me to rest and trust and anticipate the good that you will bring to me. I surrender to you. Amen.
Application
If you have had a poor attitude about waiting, or if you have been waiting in unbelief and distrust, confess your sin to someone else and to the Lord. Ask someone to pray for you.
Related Reading
Isaiah 30:18; Psalm 25:5; 1 Corinthians 4:5
Worship Resource
Lincoln Brewster: While I Wait
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