Pastor Lawson Perdue

When it comes to God’s timing, do you know how to keep the faith during seasons of waiting? If you’re like me, you don’t like to wait for things to happen. But over the years, I’ve learned that my impatience doesn’t motivate God. While I wait, I choose to rest on His promises and faithfulness that aren’t dependent on me but are guaranteed through the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

People often pray and expect an immediate answer, probably because we live in a culture that expects things to happen quickly. When you go to a vending machine for a soda, you pay, press a button, and your drink is released to you. People sometimes apply that principle to praying and wonder why God makes them wait for answers. It’s essential to recognize that God’s timing in answering prayer requires trusting that God is always good—that’s His nature and can’t change. Psalm 145:9 says, “The Lord is good to all, and His compassion is over all His works.” God does not make us wait to punish us or ignore us because He wants to teach us a lesson. You can trust everything about God—especially God’s timing!

One key to keeping faith during a season of waiting is surrendering our plans and timetable to God. Proverbs 3:5–6 encourages us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” This isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it!

What are examples of God’s timing in Scripture?

One of my favorite examples of God’s timing appears in the life of Joseph. As a young man, Joseph received a dream from God that his family would bow down to him (Genesis 37:5–10). However, his journey involved his brothers selling him into slavery and enduring years in prison before the perfection of God’s timing became evident. Joseph acknowledged this perfect timing in Genesis 50:20, saying, “…you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to bring about what now is, to save many lives.” Joseph was not ready for his role when he first received the dream, and by waiting, he was able to save many people from the famine.

David is another example of waiting for God’s timing to become king of Israel. From his anointing as a young man to his crowning, about 15 years passed. The waiting time wasn’t wasted; it was training time that helped him be the powerful king he was.

Abraham and Sarah had to wait 25 years from when God promised Abraham that he would have a son and his descendants would be as numerous as the stars and sand (Genesis 15:4–5) until Isaac was born (Genesis 21:1–2). Any parent who has had to wait for a child knows the wait was worthwhile. These examples from Scripture serve as reminders that God is faithful to complete what He promises (Philippians 1:6).

What are signs that you’re not aligned with God’s timing?

If you haven’t been reading God’s Word, praying, and praising, you probably aren’t aligned with God’s plan or timing. It’s time to believe God’s timing is perfect for His good plans for us. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” I’ve learned that surrendering to God’s plan starts a process that takes time. Because it takes time, I know there will be challenges along the way, but that doesn’t negate that God is in it and worth waiting for.

Isaiah 55:6–11 teaches us some principles about waiting for God’s answer and aligning with God’s timing. Verse 6 tells us to “seek the Lord…and call upon Him.” We need to be in a daily relationship with God where we actively seek Him in His Word and communicate through praying and listening to His answer. Verse 8 points out His thoughts and ways aren’t the same as ours. Verse 10 reminds us that there are seasons, conditions, and times for a seed to mature so it can be harvested. When you yield to His plans, verse 11 shows that God will accomplish His plan, and it will prosper. Waiting on God’s timing has rewards. God will get you where you should be at the right time; trust God’s timing!

To learn more on this topic from Pastor Lawson, go to www.charischristiancenter.com and click on the tab “Shop,” where you will find free downloads, such as God of the Breakthrough, Trusting God, Receiving God’s Best, The Promises of God, and Have Faith in God. These teachings will build your faith to trust in God’s timing and see God’s promises fulfilled.