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Timing is everything
Jeff WeinkaufActs 16:6-10
6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
God's timing is perfect. My timing can be well...less than. What makes sense to me, may actually end up being out of sync with His greater plan. Even though what I think should come next is good, if the timing is incorrect the result is lacking.
Consider the butterfly who, after emerging from it's chrysalis is still not ready to fly just yet. Even though it's body has been transformed it still takes around an hour for its wings to dry out and be filled with hemolymph. During this time it's extremely vulnerable to predators. True it's destiny is to fly, but it's not yet developed enough to launch. So although all the signs are pointing to a glorious future, if it takes off prematurely it will surely die.
Consider Paul and his team as they launch out to spread the Gospel, it would make sense that they should be able to go anywhere right? No limits! It's God's desire that everyone has a chance to know him (2 Peter 3:9). But for some reason He prevents them from going certain places just yet. Why? Who better than Paul to share the excellent news? Yet for now, God says "no".
I may not understand God's limiting of a direction in my life, but learning about who He is (His nature and character) helps me to trust Him. I can see though out the scriptures He is sovereign, and that His timing is perfect. This helps me when I'm just sure that I know the way to go and still He says "no" or "not yet".
Since He is fully trustworthy I can lean on the fact that His plan covers more than merely just my best interests. His plans are perfect for all.
God please help me to know you more. The more I know you the better I am at trusting you. Thank you for revealing yourself to us through the scriptures. Thank you for putting faithful mentors in our lives to help us see you better. Amen.
