Habakkuk 2:3 (NKJV)
3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.
God’s timing is perfect! It probably doesn’t seem that way to most of us because it is not when we want things to happen. We cannot see the whole plan nor how things are shaping up. But God knows where all the pieces fit and in what order they need to be assembled. Therefore, we need to be patient and let things go according to God’s plan and timing.
Habakkuk tells us of a vision of things to come. Its time has not as of yet arrived. All things work according to God’s plan. God has everything arranged in the whole universe so that all the pieces will fit at the appointed time. Don’t try to run ahead of Him because it will not work out right.
One of my faults is being a control freak. I want to work out all the details according to my plan. I used to think I was in charge. Now, that seems humorous. I have a friend named Ed who has learned earlier than me that God is the One with the plan. Ed and I planned to go to a Promise Keepers conference in Baltimore some years back. Ed has challenges walking and we needed to get handicapped seating. Because he has learned to go with God’s plan, he does not concern himself with timing. I went to pick Ed up but he wasn’t ready so we were late getting on the road. I was already beside myself because we would be late! It went from bad to worse. Our hotel room was no longer available when we arrived. I thought we would end up sleeping in the car. We did find a flea bag motel but the room was awful. Sleeping in the car would have been better. We got a late start in the morning too so we were late to the conference. The handicapped parking spaces were already taken. I dropped Ed off at the door and parked the car. When we got inside, we were told the handicapped seating was on the arena floor. By now, I am a wild man because my plan has not been followed. I am keenly aware that if we head down to the floor and the seats are all taken, there is no way Ed will be able to make it back up. My worst nightmares are staring me in the face. Meanwhile, Ed is saying things will all work out. I am ready to murder him.
So we go down to the arena floor and there are no seats left! Now I am panicked. Ed is leaning against the railing at the edge of the floor to rest so he will be able to move somewhere else where we might find a seat. But God had another plan. Actually, God had His plan all along. As were are leaning against the rail trying to figure out what we can do, a man in the front row overhears our conversation. He probably also observed my agitation. He leans forward and asks us if we need seats. He saved a few too many because some of his friends are sitting somewhere else and he has two seats available on the front row. All that worry on my part and we just step into front row seats. Not only did we get great seats but the guy and his friends were wonderful to us. They welcomed us, included us in their group and made our day terrific. They were real Brothers in Christ to us.
All that worrying wasted! Worry is a waste of the imagination. It also showed a lack of faith on my part. Instead of trusting God, I wanted to manage things in my own power. God’s plan is always better. I have learned to go with God. While I try to be on time if I have made an appointment, I now know that God may change my plans to fit to His. It always works for my good. I have found myself in the right place at the right time when I relax and let Him lead. How about you? Are you trying to control things? I can tell you, it doesn’t work. Relax, breathe deeply and go with God’s timing and plan. It will be better than you can ask or imagine. It will be divine. I am now always on time. Maybe not my time; but on His time.
Father, thank You that You give me patience to wait on You. Thank You that You have taught me how to go with Your plan for my life. Teach us all to trust in You and follow Your lead. Help us to see that following You is always our best option. In Jesus name we pray! Amen!