God’s Time

 November 22, 2024

A few weeks ago as I was praying with two pastor friends, we talked about how impatient we get in prayer. We want answers NOW! But God has his own time, as it says in Ecclesiastes: “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” (3:1). It’s true in all of life. Pick an apple before it’s ripe, and you have to rip it off the tree. If you eat it, you’ll get a bellyache. 

Why do you suppose we are so impatient? I think impatience is born out of fear. We pray for someone to be saved or healed or shown the way they need to go, but are afraid the answer won’t come until it’s too late. In short, we don’t believe God knows what he is doing. We forget God assures us that

“My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” —Isaiah 55:8-9 

Just prior to these words in Isaiah, we are told to call upon God while he may be found. We worry that we are too late because we aren’t seeing the answer to our prayers right now. Here’s how Isaiah concludes this little lesson: 

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. “For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace.” —Isaiah 55:11-12 

Don’t be impatient in prayer. Don’t be afraid. Trust God. He knows what he is doing, and at just the right time, he will answer your prayers in the best possible way.