I May Be in a Hurry, but God Isn’t

In Ecclesiastes 3:11 I read, “God . . . does everything just right and on time, but people can never completely understand what he is doing.”

(NCV)

In many cultures today, fast is better. But that’s not the way God works. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:11, “God . . . does everything just right and on time, but people can never completely understand what he is doing” (NCV). 

God has a plan for my life. He also has a timetable for that plan. Yet God never explains his timetable. He doesn’t have to, he’s God. And I can trust that he has my best interest at heart. One of the most painful things in life is when I’m in a hurry and God’s not. That usually leads to impatience. Impatience, basically, is a lack of trust. When I’m impatient, I’m saying, “God, I don’t really trust you and your timing. I don’t think you have my best interest at heart.” I get worried and hurried. Then I start scurrying because I don’t trust God to act at the right time and in the right way.

As children grow up, part of maturing is learning the difference between “no” and “not yet.” A delay is not a denial. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I have to learn the same thing with God. His delays are not denials. God knows the right time and the right way. He has a plan and a timetable. And his timing is perfect.

Use this verse as encouragement in the waiting: “This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed” (Habakkuk 2:3 NLT).

Has God given me a vision that hasn’t happened yet? I can trust that it’s coming, on God’s timetable.

In summary, God does everything just right and on time, and it's hard at times to completely understand what he is doing. It seems faster is better. But that’s not the way God works. God has a plan for my life. He also has a timetable for that plan. Yet God never explains his timetable. He doesn’t have to, he’s God. And I can trust that he has my best interest at heart. One of the most painful things in life is when I’m in a hurry and God’s not. That usually leads to impatience on my part. This impatience is basically a lack of trust. When I’m impatient, I’m saying, “God, I don’t really trust you and your timing. Part of maturing is learning the difference between “no” and “not yet.” A delay is not a denial. God knows the right time and the right way. He has a plan and a timetable. And his timing is perfect. With God, I can trust that his vision for me is coming, but it will be on his timetable, and not mine.

I’ve been experiencing some “not yet” in my looking at different job roles for the future. His timing is always best, so I must get through my disappointments of now and to just trust him and his timing. Meanwhile, while I wait, I need to do what he has already told me to do. Father, I thank you for this reminder this morning. I also thank you for some much needed time off. I pray my thanks and assistance for patience in your Son Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Christ Is the Visible Image of the Invisible God

In Colossians 1:15 I read, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.” (NLT)

Who was the little baby in the manger we celebrate at Christmas? Colossians 1:15 says, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God” (NLT).

You’ve heard the phrase that, if you want something done right, do it yourself. God wanted to do the job of saving me right, so he came to earth himself. He didn’t come as an avatar, an angel, or a prophet. God came as a person. He became the baby and then the man Jesus Christ.

People all around the world celebrate the little baby in the manger because that child is God, come to live with his people. To know what God is like, look at Jesus. But Jesus didn’t come simply to live. He came to die for my sins so that I could spend eternity with Him.

This was needed, because even though God is a God of love, he is also a God of justice. Justice demands wrongs be righted. It demands that the debt of sin be paid for. And, heaven is perfect, but I’m not. Because of that, I need a Savior. God gets imperfect people into heaven through grace.

The Good News of Christmas is that God gave the gift of his Son to pay for everything I have ever done wrong and offer me the grace to enter heaven.

The Bible says, “When [Jesus] served as a sacrifice for our sins, he solved the sin problem for good—not only ours, but the whole world’s” (1 John 2:1 The Message).

This gift beats anything I can be given this year. I just need to accept it.

In summary, Christ is the image of God and is the little baby in the manger we celebrate at Christmas. God wanted to do the job of saving me right, so he came to earth himself. He didn’t come as an avatar, an angel, or a prophet. God came as a person. He became the baby and then the man Jesus Christ. People all around the world celebrate the little baby in the manger because that child is God, come to live with his people. To know what God is like, look at Jesus. But Jesus didn’t come simply to live. He came to die for my sins so that I could spend eternity with Him. This was needed, because even though God is a God of love, he is also a God of justice. Justice demands wrongs be righted. It demands that the debt of sin be paid for. And, heaven is perfect, but I’m not. Because of that, I need a Savior. God gets imperfect people into heaven through grace. The Good News of Christmas is that God gave the gift of his Son to pay for everything I have ever done wrong and offer me the grace to enter heaven. This gift beats anything I can be given this year. I just need to accept it.

Often it’s easy for me to get caught up in work and preparations for the season. Today I’m reminded of the importance of the Baby in the Manager that is the reason for Christmas.  God sent his Son Jesus (his visible image) to walk among us and to show us the way to you Father. Then he paid the ultimate price for justice by taking on my penalties for Sin, so that I can be clean for you. Father, thank you for your grace and justice. I ask today for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others.  I pray this through your Son Jesus’ name, amen.

 

What to Do With Life’s Disappointments

In Luke 2:37 I read, “[Anna] did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers.” (CSB)

When Anna’s circumstances would have made it easy to do otherwise, she chose to focus on God’s presence and to tell everyone she could about Jesus.

Anna had been a widow for 84 years. The love of her life had died when Anna was still very young. This wasn’t what she had planned for herself. Disappointment could have made her bitter. But the Bible gives us a different picture. Luke 2:37 says, “[Anna] did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers” (CSB).

When Anna’s husband died, she could have chosen to let her love die too. Instead, she wisely redirected her love to God. She spent her days and nights focusing on his presence instead of her disappointment.

If you haven’t yet, one day I may find someone I want to love is no longer there. What do I do with my love in those circumstances? If I’m wise, I’ll focus on God’s presence and redirect my love.

I’ve seen many couples make this decision when they’re longing for a baby but can’t have one. I’ve seen them adopt or become foster parents. They’ve taken their love and redirected it. They’ve focused on God’s presence by giving his love to one of the many children in the world in need of it.

Anna also made a second wise decision when her husband was no longer there for her to love. After spending years in God’s presence at the temple, she finally met Jesus, and immediately began spreading the Good News about him.

When Jesus was eight days old, Mary and Joseph brought him to the temple, and Anna was there. The Bible says: “At that time Anna came in and praised God. She spoke about the child Jesus to everyone who hoped for Jerusalem to be set free” (Luke 2:38 CEV).

From the moment she met Jesus, she started telling other people about him. The Bible says, “He who wins souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30 NKJV). Anna was wise because she chose to tell other people about the Good News of Jesus’ arrival.

During this Christmas season, I can make that same decision. People around me likely will be more open to spiritual truth than at any other time of the year. No matter what disappointments I’ve faced this year, choose to be like Anna. Refocus my love on God and tell people about Jesus. That’s a wise decision.

In summary, serve God night and day with fasting and prayers. When Anna’s circumstances would have made it easy to do otherwise, she chose to focus on God’s presence and to tell everyone she could about Jesus. Disappointment could have made her bitter, however when Anna’s husband died, she could have chosen to let her love die too. Instead, she wisely redirected her love to God. She spent her days and nights focusing on his presence instead of her disappointment. One day I may find someone I want to love is no longer there. What do I do with my love in that circumstance? If I’m wise, Like Anna, I’ll focus on God’s presence and redirect my love. Anna was wise because she chose to tell other people about the Good News of Jesus’ arrival. I can make that same decision. No matter what disappointments I’ve faced this year, choose to be like her and refocus my love on God and tell people about Jesus. That’s a wise decision.

“Father, in the middle of a strange Christmas season at the end of a long, difficult year, I thank you for the greatest gift of all, your son Jesus Christ. Thank you for sending him to pay for my sins. Thank you for your promise of eternal life to those who accept this gift. Holy Spirit, fill my heart with faith to trust in your promises like the three wise women of Christmas, Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna, have taught me. Help me to choose to trust your plan instead of being bitter. Help me to believe your Word instead of my fears. Help me to focus on your presence, not my disappointment, and talk to everyone about Jesus. Father, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. I pray these things through your Son Jesus’ name, amen. 

Trust God’s Word, Not My Fears

In Psalm 40:8 I read, “My God, I want to do what you want.” (NCV)

Mary, the young woman who became the mother of Jesus, showed wisdom beyond her years when she chose to believe God’s Word instead of her own fears.

Put yourself in Mary’s shoes. She was no older than 16 when an angel told her she would give birth to a son, even though she had never been with a man. And her baby’s father? God. Imagine all the fears going through Mary’s mind.

First, there was the fear of criticism: “How am I going to tell my mom?” Then you have the fear of inadequacy: “How in the world am I supposed to be the mother of the son of God?” Then, of course, she faced the fear of change: “How many ways is this going to change my life?”

You can’t blame Mary for being afraid. But the angel told Mary: “God can do everything!” (Luke 1:37 ICB). Mary knew God’s Word. Later in the book of Luke, she sang a song containing around 10 Old Testament verses. She knew the Bible so well she could write that song on the spot.

So, when the angel came to her, Mary pondered in her heart all the things she knew to be true of God from his Word: “God loves me. God chose me. God is with me. Nothing is impossible with God. I can handle this, not because of my strength, but because of God’s presence.”

Then she chose to believe God’s Word over her own fears. She said: “Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say” (Luke 1:38 The Message). Mary wisely surrendered to the will of God. She was like King David, who said: “My God, I want to do what you want” (Psalm 40:8 NCV). Wise people say, “Whatever God wants for my life, I’m in. I may not understand it, but I’ll do his will.” The Bible says, “Mary treasured [the things God told her] and continued to think about them” (Luke 2:19 NCV).

God blessed Mary because she chose to believe God’s Word instead of her fears. He wants me to do the same. This Christmas season the world may seem more uncertain than ever. But God wants me to be wise by believing the truth of his Word over my fears.

In summary, I want to be able to say, God, I want to do what you want with my life. Mary, the young woman who became the mother of Jesus, is an example of this when she showed wisdom beyond her years choosing to believe God’s Word instead of her fears. Imagine all the fears Mary faced. First, the fear of criticism. Then the fear of inadequacy. Then, the fear of change. It's hard not to blame Mary for being afraid. But the angel told Mary: “God can do everything!” Mary knew God’s Word.Mary pondered in her heart all the things she knew to be true of God from his Word: “God loves me. God chose me. God is with me. Nothing is impossible with God. I can handle this, not because of my strength, but because of God’s presence.” Then she chose to believe God’s Word over her own fears. Wise people say, “Whatever God wants for my life, I’m in. I may not understand it, but I’ll do his will. God blessed Mary because she chose to believe God’s Word instead of her fears. He wants me to do the same. This Christmas season the world may seem more uncertain than ever. But God wants me to be wise by believing the truth of his Word over my fears,

In retrospect, I have had times when I took control and forced what I wanted. Today, my biggest fear is a future job role after my position ends at my current organization. I’m reminded today that God can do everything and that whatever he wants for me I should choose even though I don’t understand it. I thank you Father for who you are and how you love me. I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. I pray these things through your Son Jesus’ name, amen.

Trust God’s Plan, Even When His Timing Doesn’t Make Sense

In Luke 1:20 I read, “Every word I’ve spoken to you will come true on time—God’s time.” (The Message)

I know about the wise men, but the Christmas story also includes three wise women: Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna. They came from three different stages of life. One was married, one was single, and one was widowed. And each of them made wise decisions that I can learn from today.

Their decisions are the same ones I need to make: to trust God’s plan instead of being bitter; to believe God’s Word instead of my fears; and to focus on God’s presence instead of disappointment.

These women made decisions based on their faith. Elizabeth’s story reveals how God works through disappointments and heartache, even though I may not be able to immediately see what he’s doing. The Bible says Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah, were righteous and godly people. But they were broken-hearted because they wanted a child and had been unable to have one.

Elizabeth had prayed for a baby for many years, but now she was past the age for childbearing. Her greatest and longest prayer had not been answered. She’d done everything right, but God still didn’t give her what she wanted most. She faced the temptation of becoming resentful toward God.

But, in her wisdom, Elizabeth chose not to get angry or bitter towards God. Instead, she chose to trust him, and to pray. Then, at the right time, God answered her prayer. He gave Elizabeth a son, John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for Jesus, the Messiah. If John had been born at any other time, he couldn’t have fulfilled his purpose to prepare the way for Jesus. He needed to be born around the same time as Jesus. All that time, Elizabeth had been praying and wondering whether God heard her prayers, but she still chose to trust God’s plan. She believed that his timing was better than hers.

For Elizabeth, and for me, God’s delay is not God’s denial. A wise person knows the difference between a “no” and a “not yet.” When frustrations and delays come, a wise person will trust God instead of getting bitter.

Like Elizabeth, I likely have had plans this year that had to be set aside. COVID-19 has closed schools and businesses. It’s altered the way we do weddings and funerals. It’s changed the way we’re celebrating Christmas this year. But, like Elizabeth and Zechariah, I can choose to trust God even when circumstances are challenging.

An angel visited Zechariah and said: “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son. You are to name him John” (Luke 1:13 GNT).

I may not receive a visit from an angel, but I can know that God hears my prayers too. A delayed answer to a prayer is not a denial. God promises that persistent prayers are heard.

This Christmas season I need to choose to be wise like Elizabeth. Choose to believe that God hears my prayers and is working through my circumstances, even when I don’t see what he’s doing.

In summary, every word God speaks will come true based on his timing. From the Christmas story comes an example of Elizabeth. She made a wise decision to trust God’s plan instead of being bitter; to believe God’s Word instead of fear; and to focus on God’s presence instead of disappointment. Her decision based on their faith. Elizabeth’s story reveals how God works through disappointments and heartache, even though we may not be able to immediately see what he’s doing. Elizabeth had prayed for a baby for many years. At a late stage in her life, this greatest and longest prayer had not been answered. She’d done everything right, but God still hadn’t given her what she wanted most. She faced the temptation of becoming resentful toward God. But, in her wisdom, she chose not to get angry or bitter but to choose to trust him, and continue praying. Then, at the right time, God answered her prayer. He gave Elizabeth a son, John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for Jesus, the Messiah. If John had been born at any other time, he couldn’t have fulfilled his purpose to prepare the way for Jesus. God’s delay is not always God’s denial. A wise person knows the difference between a “no” and a “not yet.” When frustrations and delays come, a wise person learns to trust God instead of getting bitter. I too should choose to trust God even when circumstances are challenging. I can know that God hears my prayers too. God promises that persistent prayers are heard. So I need to choose to be wise and believe that God hears my prayers and is working through my circumstances, even when I don’t see what he’s doing.

A situation much like this is happening with my job. I have been told that it is going to end and I have been praying and pursuing other opportunities. Several of the opportunities have not panned out. But throughout this time, God has brought about many verses and devotions that remind me to put my trust in him. He will provide at the right time what he intends for me.  So I will continue to trust and pray. I do look forward to what He has in mind. Father I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus’ name, amen.