God Is Never Late...But He Sure Is Slow


Our God is never late, but He sure is slow. I guess it would be more appropriate to call him "longsuffering," as Peter does, but when I'm waiting for God I feel like I'm the one who is suffering long.

In Habakkuk 2:3 the prophet writes,

 "This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed."

Sometimes the things we're believing God for can seem very slow in coming. Imagine how a guy like Abraham felt...he was 100! What about the woman with the issue of blood who touched Jesus' garment? She was sick for 12 years. And what about Joseph? He had his dream that his brothers would bow down to him when he was 17 years old. He became viceroy of Egypt at age 30 and his brothers came to buy food nine years later (after 7 years of plenty and 2 of famine). His dream was fulfilled when he was 39...that's 22 years later!

Waiting patiently for years isn't always easy, but it is worth it. God is faithful to fulfill all his promises. He doesn't feel our sense of urgency though, and he's definitely not bound by our time tables.

"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." Galatians 6:9.

 As the old chorus says, "He may not come when you want him to, but he's always right on time. He's an on time God, yes he is!"

Following the Son,
James A Williams

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

I Had What I Needed Today. I Always Do.

Image
Where’s the checkbook? I had searched high and low, and hadn’t been able to locate one. We rarely use checks for anything anymore, but I found myself in need of one. With my wife out of town I had called for some help. Sarai described to me where I would find them. In a red bag on top of a yellow bag under some sweaters beside the hamper in the spare bedroom. You may wonder why this is where we keep our checkbook. I may wonder why this is where we keep our checkbook. But after 28 years of marriage I’ve learned to not ask too many questions, and to stick primarily to nodding and smiling. I told her I loved her, followed the instructions, and soon had the checkbook in hand. Hmm? Next to the checkbook was a small blue folder that I immediately recognized. It’s where we keep our passports. I was a little surprised to find it here, because my wife was in Puerto Rico. You don’t need a passport to go to Puerto Rico, but my wife almost always carries hers with her when she travels. I
Read more

It’s My Turn To Be The Pop

Image
“ Children's children are a crown.” Proverbs 17:6 One year ago today my phone rang. I was looking forward to this call. “Hey, Dad. How are you?” “I’m alright.” (Standard response) He wasn’t alright. The cancer, chemo, and treatments had taken such a toll on him. This was Josiah’s birthday though. His first birthday. My Dad always called everyone in the family on their birthday and sang to them. He never missed anyone’s. It wasn’t pretty, and became a comical family joke yet we all looked forward to it.  I called for my son, Nathaniel, who brought his son, Josiah, over to the phone. I held the phone to Josiah’s ear and Nathaniel and I pressed in as we all listened to Dad sing. His voice was raspy and labored. Josiah’s eyes danced. Nathaniel and I smiled and laughed. Tears filled my eyes. He couldn’t stay on the phone long. He tired quickly and speaking was difficult. Josiah’s first time hearing his great grandfather sing Happy Birthday would also be his la
Read more

Christmas Reactions: A Look At The Responses To Jesus' Birth

Image
The reactions of children on Christmas morning can be priceless. The way their faces light up in response to the gifts, decorations, and lights communicates such wonder and awe. I have a grandson who is closing in on two. Sometimes when he sees things he literally gasps. So much of the world is still new to him. Just as I love a child's reaction, I love the reactions in the Christmas story to those who encountered the Christ child. The Bible uses specific words to describe many of the responses to seeing a baby unlike one they'd ever seen before, and the events surrounding his birth. Consider a few with me. Mary, " treasured ." (Luke 2:19) Mary so valued what was taking place that she "kept it in her heart." She would never forget these moments, and no doubt would draw strength from them later. Joseph, " marveled ." (Luke 2:33) From the beginning it had been too much to take in. He couldn't really wrap his brain around the m
Read more