God's Timing

READ: PROVERBS 19:21; ROMANS 8:28; 2 PETER 3:8-9; PSALM 31:15

I’m fourteen, and something I need to be constantly reminded of is that I don’t need to rush life. I always want my way—I want what’s next. I want to drive a car, have a boyfriend, be married, and have kids. I think I’m ready for a real job and college, but the truth is, I’m not. I’ve only just finished middle school, and I still have four years in high school to go. I need to be reminded every day that God is not in a hurry, and He knows what’s best for me—and for everyone else in my life. God understands everyone’s needs, and He knows what we’re ready for.

And even when we get impatient and mess up, God keeps working out His good purposes. When we look back on decisions we’ve made and think, "I shouldn’t have done that," we don’t need to panic. God can take our mistakes and make a beautiful work of art. God has anticipated our actions, and nothing we do can ruin His ultimate plan: Through Jesus, God has promised to be with His people, and one day Jesus will return bodily to earth and restore His creation—and we’ll get to live with Him forever! In the meantime, He lovingly guides us, and He helps us learn from our experiences.

Some days we need fresh perspective, which can come in random and unexpected ways, but God gives us what we need, when we need it. He is never too early, and never too late. His timing is different from ours, “But,” 2 Peter 3:8-9 says, “do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” To God, eternity cannot be counted in hours and days. His understanding is infinite, and we can trust Him to work all things for the good of His people, in His good timing. • Sophia Augustine

• What are you looking forward to in the next few years? Do you find it hard to wait for these things?

• Can you think of a time in your life when something didn’t go your way, but looking back you saw how God used it for your good? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this.

My times are in your hands. Psalm 31:15a (NIV)