from Lenae, GEMS Training Manager
GOD > my timetable
My times are in your hands.
Psalm 31:15
Our culture is driven by time. We wear it on our wrists, hang it
on our walls, and keep it within arm’s reach via our cell phones. We set
workout times on our treadmills and alarm clocks before bed. How many of us
also set timetables within our minds? Have you ever set timetable expectations
in seasons of grief, transition, and trouble?
- My spouse and support circle have moved on, why am I still entrenched in grief?
- I thought things would be flowing smoothly by now.
- I expected to be over this habit, health issue, hang up, or _______________ at this point.
- I thought I’d be employed, married, a mother, out of debt, or _____________ by this time.
- If I can only make it through this week, or through this __________________, then ___________________.
When the dust had settled from the chariot wheels that transported
the cupbearer to his restored position within Pharaoh’s court, did Joseph set a
timeframe in his mind for when the chariot would return for him? He had
specifically asked the cupbearer to mention his name to Pharaoh so he could be
released from prison. Surely it would only be a day or two. At least that’s how
I would’ve calculated it. Scripture squeezes this timeframe of Joseph’s life
into a single sentence: When two full
years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream (Genesis 41:1). Two full years!
Joseph’s times were in God’s hands (Psalm 31:15).
As were the Israelites’ as they wandered in the wilderness,
David’s when he was dodging Saul’s spears, and the woman who was subject to
bleeding for twelve years. And then there’s the hall of faith famers in Hebrews
12. They died before they received what
had been promised! Why? Because God had planned something better (v. 39-40).
Our Great God is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the
end. He created time, days, and seasons, and holds time in His hands. His
divine timetable is beyond our understanding or years. 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 (2 Peter 3:8).
He ordained our days, and wrote them in His book, before one of
them came to be (Psalm 139:16). He has
made everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Your times are
in His hands (Psalm 31:15).
HE>i:
Like the Psalmist have
you ever cried out, “How long, O Lord?” If so, will you trust that
God is greater than your timetable?
God’s sense of
timing will confound ours, no matter what culture we’re from. And if you try to
impose your understanding of schedule and timing on Him, you will struggle to
feel loved by Him.
Tim Keller
