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.