Time: we all rely on, but we aren’t really in control of it. Both a reality and human construct, Time is the passage of events. While it is not tangible, we are very much aware of it’s existence.
From the moment we awake to the end of the day, time never seems to be on our side. We also seem to be either running towards it or it away from it.
But the question remains. Are we are our time…or God’s?
Timing is important to many things. In combustion engines timing is important to proper function.
During WWI and II fighter planes used a mechanical timing device to allow the machine gun to fire in between the rotation of blades.
Sometimes we want things to happen our way, and on our timeline. We seek to take matters into our own hands and force circumstances to create our own time.
One of the hardest things for us to do is allow God to work in His time. As much as we want to feel like we are in control, our timing will never be as good as God’s. God’s timing is perfect and free of error.
We can set the clock back or push it forward, but ultimately God’s time doesn’t change in regards to our lives.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV says:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:”
Ecclesiastes 8:6 ESV says
“For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble lies heavy on him”.(bold emphasis added)
“Although man’s trouble lie heavy on him”
Perhaps you’ve asked yourself one or more of these?
When will I find the right person?
When will I get a promotion?
When will I get better?
When is it my time?
The Bible tells us we should trust and wait on God. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be difficult and at times… painful. But no matter how long it takes, God knows our heart and what is best for us. More importantly he knows when it is best for us.
In the instance of WWI war plane. If that propeller went any faster or any slower the result would be detrimental. This might sound cliche but we would essentially be shooting ourselves in the foot…or the propeller.
Trying to operate outside of God’s timing will always lead a “misfire.”
Psalms 27:14 says “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength..”Isaiah 40:31 ESV
“The Lord is good to those who wait for him”Lamentations 3:25 ESV
“ He hath made every thing beautiful in his time…”Ecclesiastes 3:11
How true - yet as Job discovered, times flashes past like a weavers shuttle, and often our trials do seem somewhat extended, however finally, they who trust in the Lord, wait for Him with patience and thanksgiving, will receive His reward. Not always too easy - but oh so exquisitely beneficial to our faith?