God's timing is not bound by our deadlines.

I tell God often that his timing is horrible. We all have those times when we think God's timing stinks. It could be something you've been waiting for and it's taking forever. Perhaps it's something you've had to endure and you think it should be over by now. We distrust that God's timing is good. We worry that God doesn't really have our best interests in mind.

I was reminded of God's perfect timing this week from two different true stories. A friend of mine in ministry was sharing his recent struggles with me. He is just about to get married and he was let go from his position at church. They are in financial trouble and had to cutback staff. During this time of discouragement a package showed up at his door with books from his favorite Christian author. Your might be thinking a thoughtful friend must have perceptively sent him this package to encourage him. But in fact, the package was delivered by mistake! It was meant for a woman in another state. In the end he was able to keep some of the materials. Someone thoughtful did send him that package, God. God knew exactly what my friend needed to encourage him. God's timing doesn't always look like we think it should, but it is perfect and for our good.

The second story was from a young man I got to talk to this week. He shared how years ago he got a football injury that sent him to the hospital. It was pre-season and not good timing for an injury. However, when he was in the hospital they found a tumor in his brain! They immediately setup surgery and were able to remove the tumor before it could have killed him. He has fully recovered. The timing of God is perfect.

I don't know what it is that you hope will come soon or be over with soon but I hope you can trust that God has a perfect timing in mind for your life right now. He knows down to the second what you need when you need it. Ecclesiastes chapter 3 tells us that here is a time for everything from weeping to rejoicing, loss to gain, and birth to death. God has ordained many seasons for your life and each one is lovingly prepared for your good.

"May the god of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Rom. 15:13)

- Josh