Purpose in God’s Timing

Variety makes life interesting. Nobody wants to eat a meal where every item on the plane has the same color, the same texture, and the same taste. That would be a very boring meal. In the same way, we are all different with different strengths and weaknesses. Even so, our differences make us wonderful together because we bring different strengths to the table and so we can interact and function at a higher level.

Sometimes our differences can drive those around us a little crazy. I have a friend that I drive crazy because I must plan out everything. If I have a project to do, I need to understand every detail because I cannot function in a whole lot of confusion. Last week I was reading Exodus 23. In this chapter, God is giving directions to this peop0le who are about to leave Egypt. In verses 20-33 NLT, the Lord promises His presence. God didn’t deliver them from slavery and left them to figure out their next move. “See, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you.” (Verse 20)

God gave strict instructions about not worshiping the gods of the nations in Canaan. There was a blessing in they obeyed; “You must serve only the Lord your God. If you do, I will bless you with food and water, and I will protect you from illness. There will be no miscarriages or infertility in your land, and I will give you long, full lives.” (Versed 25-26) Then, God displayed how much He prepares a way for His people. He said, in 29-30  ^“But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals would multiply and threaten you. I will drive them out a little at a time until your population has increased enough to take possession of the land.” He is the God of the big picture; He used their enemies to their benefit.

We want to drive out our enemies in one day without paying attention to the consequences. But God in His wisdom knows that we will need time to develop before we can manage on our own. When God says wait, He is looking at the big picture and has a plan for our good. There is purpose in His timing.

Thought for Today: Friend, trust God and His plan.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory,