Good morning, everyone! Today is Thursday 26th September 2024—a seemingly ordinary day but one that holds significance in history. On this day in 1580, Sir Francis Drake returned to Plymouth after circumnavigating the globe, a journey that took almost three years. Imagine the patience and perseverance required to complete such a monumental feat! It wasn’t just about speed but trusting the process and waiting for the right time to return home. This story of timing, patience, and trust reflects the spiritual truth we often need to be reminded of in our own lives: God’s timing is perfect, even when we don’t understand it.
Trusting God’s Timing
In a world where everything is instant—instant coffee, instant messaging, instant gratification—waiting can be tough. We’re used to getting things done quickly, and when life doesn’t work out according to our schedules, it can feel frustrating. Yet, the Bible is filled with reminders to wait on God. One verse that comes to mind is Ecclesiastes 3:1, which says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Just as Sir Francis Drake had to trust that his three-year journey would eventually lead him home, we must trust that God’s timing is always right. Whether you’re waiting on a job, healing, a relationship, or a breakthrough, remember that God sees the bigger picture, and He knows the perfect time to act.
Waiting in Faith
We often confuse waiting with inactivity. But when God calls us to wait, He’s not asking us to sit back and do nothing. Waiting in faith means continuing to trust, serve, and seek Him while He works behind the scenes. Isaiah 40:31 offers a beautiful promise: “But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Waiting is a time of growth and preparation. Just like an athlete who trains behind the scenes for their big race, we too must spiritually prepare ourselves while waiting. God’s delays are not denials—they’re opportunities to deepen our faith and lean into His grace.
Don’t Rush God’s Plan
We live in a world that pushes us to rush everything. But rushing God’s plan can lead to unnecessary stress and even missed blessings. Think about Sarah and Abraham in Genesis 16. When Sarah grew tired of waiting for God’s promise of a son, she took matters into her own hands by offering her servant Hagar to Abraham. The result? Unnecessary complications. It’s a reminder that God’s plan, in His timing, is always best, even when we’re tempted to hurry things along.
Instead of rushing, let’s embrace the waiting season, trusting that God is working in ways we cannot see. After all, His thoughts are higher than ours, and His ways are better than anything we could plan on our own (Isaiah 55:9).
A Moment to Reflect
Today, on Thursday 26th September 2024, reflect on any areas of your life where you’re tempted to rush ahead of God’s plan. Whether you’re waiting for a breakthrough, a decision, or an answer to prayer, trust that God’s timing is perfect. He’s never late, and He’s never early—He’s always right on time.
Reflection Verse
“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” – Lamentations 3:25-26
Reflection Question with Action Step
Where in your life are you finding it hard to wait on God?
Action Step: Today, take a moment to pause, pray, and release that situation to God. Commit to waiting on His perfect timing, trusting that He will bring the best outcome at just the right moment.
Encouraging Action
If you’re feeling anxious about waiting, make a list of times when God has been faithful in your life. Reflect on how His timing has worked out perfectly in the past, even when you couldn’t see it at the time. Let that be a reminder that He will do it again in your current situation.
