At the Right Time

Listen to this encouragement from God’s word. "Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not become too discouraged and give up.” For many people it seems that there is just no way out of a slump, yet St. Paul tells us to press on, continue doing good even in the worst of times.

          Joseph helped a former servant from the palace of Pharaoh, King of Egypt to be restored to his position. As a trusted servant he had tested everything the King would eat or drink. This man promised Joseph he would recommend him to Pharaoh when the opportunity arose. There are times when we desperately count on others to help even at great risk to themselves.  

Waiting for God's timing is difficult when we expect instant satisfaction. I can imagine Joseph waiting day after day wondering what happened to the man who promised to help him get out of prison. When we wait patiently for God's timing, we can be assured the results will be exactly what God planned for us.          

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“When the right time comes, I will make this happen quickly.

I am the Lord!”

~Isaiah 60:22b Good News Bible

God makes everything happen at the right time. Yet none of us can ever fully understand all he has done, and he puts questions in our minds about the past and the future.

~Ecclesiastes 3:11 Contemporary English Version

Yes, But – I Want It Now!

Getting what you want is a privilege most responsible people enjoy. God's timing, however, may be different from your immediate timetable. This can be frustrating to the point of your making the mistake of plunging ahead determined to make things happen, but then suffering the consequences of impatience. To persevere includes exerting self-control and waiting for God’s timing.

 

Rachel appears to be a vibrant young woman capable of hard work and dependability. Jacob first met her at a well where she came to water her flock of sheep and goats. In addition to being energetic and assertive, she was attractive. Rachel exhibited a toughness of character that demonstrated she could handle responsibility.

 

Rachel also displayed self-control by waiting seven years for Jacob, the man she loved. Tough personalities can have weaknesses that make them vulnerable to hurt and pain. It's at this place where perseverance is required, where you realize God’s grace is adequate to cover your weaknesses. Then you can gratefully say, “Thank you, Lord Jesus.”

False Beliefs Diminish Trust

Who appreciates waiting indefinitely for something to happen? Most of us want instant gratification, and when it doesn’t happen, we become impatient, determined to push for what we need or want. Jacob seemed to be a man short on patience, unwilling to wait for God’s timing to get what he thought he deserved.

Jacob was self-centered and above considering other people’s needs and feelings. He believed in getting what he wanted by hook or crook and avoiding the consequences for his reckless behavior. Accepting a power greater than his own was only for convenience. It would take a life-changing crisis for him to build a bridge of confidence required for making changes.

False beliefs set him up to take unnecessary risks. He refused to consider the suffering he brought on others or what he would experience for his own lack of patience. God helps us gain patience so we can see how effective He is at working for our best good. He encourages us to be still and see that he is the Lord God. 

Hurtful Choices

What kind of person would give up his or her inheritance for a quick meal? Hunger is an extremely strong drive, one of our strongest. Late one Friday afternoon when I was in the Air Force I recall walking into the mess hall starved, ready to gobble down anything on the menu, even if were something I hated.

  

Genesis 25:30 tells us Esau came in from a hunt absolutely famished. In that state he traded his birthright to Jacob for a quick meal, which was a great deal for Jacob. He could have given the food to Esau. This was his brother, but Jacob was not generous and Esau was willing to sell cheap.

 

What could these brothers have been thinking and feeling later that evening? Jacob could have used his creativity to be generous, but he used it for selfish gain. This was his chance to be loving and kind, but he chose to build a bridge to hate and alienation. While it’s hard to wait for God’s timing and purpose, it’s the right thing to do. 

Self-Respect in the Family: Hannah to Samuel - Part 1

The story of Hannah, the mother of Samuel who became a prophet, priest and judge in Israel, is one of faith and trust in God. Hannah was unable to conceive and give birth to a child. She promised God if he gave her a son, she would to give him up to serve God all the days of his life. In due time Hanna became pregnant.

When Samuel was weaned, she took him to the house of the Lord to be raised by Eli the priest. Try to imagine how hard it must have been for Hannah to give up her infant son, but she was a woman of integrity and faith in God which made it possible to endure the heartache and grief of separation.

Hannah demonstrated endurance and self-respect by keeping her covenant with God. In return God gave Hannah faith that he would anoint Samuel as his servant and bless him all the days of his life. Hannah kept her promise, so God kept his. Hannah endured her grief and separation from Samuel with joy and a deep abiding love for God. May God bless you today.  

Saul: Losing Self-Respect and a Kingdom - Part 1

One of the saddest stories in the Bible concerns Saul, the first king of Israel. Samuel, the spiritual leader and prophet for the nation, instructed Saul to wait until he arrived at a battle scene before engaging the enemy. Samuel was delayed for what seemed an inordinate amount of time. Saul became impatient and anxious.

Unable to endure the waiting, Saul disobeyed Samuel and God’s rules. He took upon himself the role of priest and offered a burnt and fellowship offering. You might ask, “So what’s the big deal?” From God’s viewpoint, it was deliberate disobedience and demonstrated disregard for God’s order.

Saul failed to exhibit endurance and wait patiently for God’s timing. Endurance enables a person to withstand the temptation to act impulsively. Endurance portrays the presence of mind and spirit to stand firm even under severe emotional strain. Self-respect, courage and integrity enable a person to trust God enough to follow his plan.