TIMING
Proverbs 16:9
We can make our plans,
but the Lord determines our steps.
I will be the first to admit…I have been guilty of wanting what I want when I want it. I have grown more patient in recent (heavy emphasis on recent) months. Still every now and then my patience runs thin, and I become antsy. The truth is life would be a lot less complicated if our dreams were fulfilled on our time schedule, right? Well, not really. I am learning that God keeps things moving at His pace to protect us. Often when we get in the way and speed things up OR stop moving, we cause more harm than good.
I am sure you have been asked “What’s your 5-year plan?” at some point in your life. Your vision board or Pinterest aesthetic might be top of the line. You have been saving for marriage, your dream home and first child - now the only thing left is your mate to build with. You are chasing your dream. You are giving it all you have but you cannot catch a break. Or you fell off track. You are trying to make up for lost time, but everyone keeps slamming doors in your face. You are at a standstill.
Often when we feel helpless, we either sink or start panicking. These are the moments when we must be intentional about choosing to trust God’s perfect timing. It is like swimming in a pool as a beginner. Your instructor is going to teach you the basics to build up your confidence. Eventually your fear of drowning in the pool will disappear. You will gradually build up to swimming in the deep end. Who knows how long it may take for your confidence to build up to swim in the ocean. You must wait until you are ready, so you will not feel helpless. Rather than sinking or panicking your body will be relaxed enough to peacefully float.
God wants us to experience that type of peace in our lives when we trust His timing. Being in a frenzy trying to speed up our journey or force pieces together that do not fit is stressful. When you find yourself feeling helpless or angry - talk to God. Ask him for guidance. Seek his will for your life. My conversations with God are informal. There have been times when I have said things like “God…I’m trying to be patient, I’ve been praying, I’m trying down here…any word on the next step?". The “still” season serves a different purpose for all of us. Trust that yours is building you up for something greater. Do not sink and do not panic. Trust His perfect timing and will for your life.
Guest Contributor
Phallon Edmonds
Founder
Glow From Glory