Being impatient with God's timing is a common response when prayer isn’t answered as quickly as it is prayed. This week, one of our friends expressed frustration because he had prayed for what seemed an easy thing to happen and it didn’t. When someone said that the Lord’s timing is always perfect, he said, “Yes, but…” and I said, “Don’t say but…” because the word ‘yes’ and that word do not go together. Sadly he ignored me.
Today’s reading points to this verse, then Piper adds a more literal translation:
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)Piper says: “Let us approach with boldness the throne of grace that we might receive mercy and find grace for a well-timed help.” He explains this is literal and accurate. The traditional translation focuses on our need, but the literal one focuses on God’s timing.
I cannot criticize our impatient friend. How many times has God tried to teach me that I’m actually in His classroom when prayers are not answered! He wants me to trust Him, not my own idea of when something should happen. The need might be great but His timing is based on His far greater understanding and plan, not on my impatient fears or demands.
Jesus demonstrated this when His friend Lazarus became ill. When his sisters sent word to Him, He said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. (John 11:4–6)
The disciples were perplexed and the sisters upset when Lazarus died, but Jesus was glorified by a greater miracle than healing. He called the dead man out of his tomb and restored him alive to the great consternation of His opposers and the great delight of all who followed Him. Yet they too struggled with His timing.
In His classroom, I’m being taught that He knows what I need when I need it. Sometimes it is a surprise, a blessing I didn’t expect or even ask for, but when He gives it, I realize that I needed it. It might be a small thing in the eyes of the world. Not long ago we drove into a very full parking lot and I said, “Lord, it would be nice to find a parking spot, but we can walk so whatever You think…” and at that, a space opened up right in front of the door where we wanted to go. Surprise!
I don’t always think about getting encouragement but He sends it when He knows I need it. I pray for safety when out driving. He hears and gives it. I pray for the salvation of many and He surprises me by drawing someone into His family that I’d not prayed for, to show me that He is still busy with those that I do pray for. . . . and teaching me to trust Him and demonstrate my trust with patience, no buts, just content that He will do what He knows is needed at the time that is best, not at the time of my desires.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)This verse is a surprise: God is patient toward me! He puts up with ‘but’ statements but does not give into them. He knows the best timing and will not give in to my nagging. I say nagging instead of prayer, because so many requests are just that, harassing God instead of trusting Him, and insisting it must be now rather than waiting because I believe that He knows best.
PRAY: Oh God, forgive my impatience when I ask for things that will make me more comfortable rather than trusting You to do what I ask when it will bring You the most glory. How delightful that You know best and that answers will come in ways and times that will bring great joy. Sometimes I’ve acted like a demanding and spoiled child, but You are at work using ‘wait’ to help me grow up and to be content in the process. Your help comes and I am learning to pray with the attitude of “surprise me” instead of the demand to “do it now” which is actually a statement of trusting my judgment instead of Yours. Such God-playing is a serious sin.
No comments:
Post a Comment