My Times Are In His Hand

For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance 

so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God 

(Hebrews 10:36 Amp)

Modern technology has virtually eliminated the need for us to wait.  Instant telecommunication, instant-prepared food, and instant reproduction of printed materials are part of our everyday world.  Millions flock to products that promise quick pain relief, loss of unwanted pounds, and clearer, more radiant skin.

It is no surprise then that we become impatient when faced with circumstances that require us to wait.  We know Scripture instructs us to be patient and wait, trusting the Lord, but try as we might to obey, we often find ourselves worried and fretful.

At such times, it is helpful to think of patience and faith as spiritual muscles.  Just as physical muscles develop over a period of time during which they are stressed and pressure is regularly exerted, so circumstances that are beyond our control to alter or alleviate, are necessary in order to grow strong spiritual muscles.

James, the half-brother of Jesus who presided at the Jerusalem council (Acts 12:17) wrote these instructions to early Christians. They are equally applicable to us today:

Consider it joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or 

encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. 

 Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith 

bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience 

(James 1:2-3 Amp)

                                           Lord, when I search in vain for answers
                                           which evade my restless mind;
                                           when I seek to know the future
                                            but no insight I can find;
                                            when my plans are not forthcoming
                                            or the timing seems all wrong;
                                            when the path is dark before me
                                            and my heart can find no song;
                                            even though there are some questions,
                                            and I cannot understand,
                                            still I know that You are leading
                                            and my times are in Your hand.
                                           You will still the haunting questions
                                           You will ease my racing mind;
                                           You’ll provide the reassurance
                                           that alone I cannot find.
                                           Though I may not know the answers
                                           to my questions for a while,
                                           I can trust You to protect me
                                           and to guide me through each mile.
                                           When I turn to You in patience,
                                           trusting in Your loving plan,
                                           then I know that You are leading,
                                           and my times are in Your hand.