GOD'S TIMING

Everyone has probably experienced situations when one has felt an urgency to call or visit someone and were told that the timing of the contact was really appreciated because the need for encouragement was great at that particular moment. One does not need to hear a word from God to fulfill these acts of compassion. But there are times when the Lord gives a clear, "Go. now!" There are also experiences when our plans are halted and we may know in our heart that we are to wait for God's timing. Waiting can be as much of a test of obedience as going forward. Scripture advises that we be led by the Spirit of God. Becoming aware of the guidance of the Holy Spirit is a learning experience of trying and trying yet again, but worth the effort. (Galatians 5:25 and Romans 8:5-17)

There are times in ones life to be still, trusting, waiting in the hands of God. Psalm 46:10 reminds us to be still and know God for who He is. This time of waiting can be a time of closeness to God, a period of preparation and learning how to match ones strides with the leading of the Holy Spirit.

II Samuel 5:22-25 tells of David inquiring of the Lord about whether he should go up against the Philistines. The Lord told him to circle behind them and wait for the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees and then move quickly because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front of him causing victory over the enemy. David was obedient to both the instructions and timing of the Lord.

For years I had a yearning to go to Israel. When I felt I was to get my passport for the trip, I sensed the Lord tell me to put my passport, symbolically, on His altar and only use it when He told me to do so. The years that followed were filled with training and testing in obedience and much practice in praying for others. I learned to step out in faith when he told me to go to encourage people whether it be within my own city or country or countries far away. When it was finally time for my trip to Israel, the Scripture that the Holy Spirit used to let me know it was my turn was from Isaiah 52:12 for the Lord will go before you and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

The time is now! In Genesis 8:8-12 we learn of Noah sending out a dove who found no place to set its feet and so Noah reached out and brought the dove back to himself. He waited and sent the dove later and the dove returned with a freshly plucked olive leaf in its beak signaling that the flood had receded. It was safe to go ashore.

Cooperating with the Lord is being sensitive to His timing as well as His purposes.