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.