Timing Is Everything

When you walk your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble

 (Proverbs 4:12)

Timing is everything, but learning to pace ourselves according to God’s timing is often difficult.  Many of us tend to feel that unless we are running full speed ahead, we are somehow failing Him and those around us. As a result, we become exhausted, and wish we could stop and catch our breath.

Nowhere in the Bible does God instruct us to run until we drop.  Nowhere will we find a passage that includes the age-old guilt-maker “it’s better to burn out than to rust out.”  On the contrary, we are told that there are times to fly, times to run, and times to walk, but also times to wait:

Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint

(Isaiah 40:31)

Left to our human logic, we may find ourselves vacillating between what we feel led to do, and what others think we should be doing.  Knowing what God wants need not be a mystery.  He is our Heavenly Father, and as such, loves us and wants the best for us.  He has a plan for each of our lives, specifically tailored to correlate with the way He created us.

God’s desire is to be an integral part of our daily lives in order to teach us His ways, and lead us to fulfill His purposes.  His will is revealed as we study His Word, communicate with Him through prayer, and remain sensitive to the inner pressing of the Holy Spirit.

Our part in any decision is to surrender our will to His, ask for wisdom, and wait for instructions.  Once we have a clear understanding of His will in the matter, then and only then should we act. 

Not everyone will understand our decisions.  Some may view us as misguided or unspiritual or neglectful of our supposed duties, but our ultimate responsibility is to God alone.  He will never push us in the wrong direction or hold us back from doing what is right.  God honors wholehearted obedience, and His timing is always just right.

                           I heard You tell me, “No,” Lord, that the timing wasn’t right,

                           but I went ahead and made my plans; 

                           pursued them day and night.

                           I sacrificed the time that belonged to home and family,

                           until, too late, I realized we were out of harmony.

                           It never needed to be so if I’d have followed You,

                           and waited as my inner sense kept urging me to do.

                           At last I stopped and waited, Lord, but oh the loss I feel

                           for the time that’s lost and the

                           hurts I’ve caused that only love can heal.

                           Forgive me, Lord, and help them to, and into my memory burn

                           this emptiness so I’ll recall this lesson that I’ve learned.

                           Make me faithful every day to seek Your loving plan,

                           to do it right, and always leave the outcome in Your hand.