Weekly Devotional - "GOD>my timetable"

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