Friday, February 27, 2015

Timing is Everything

Most of America is looking forward to “springing ahead” on March 10th, when Daylight Saving Time moves the clock forward one hour. 

Although not every state or country observes this day, it is highly recognized as a time when we begin to prepare for the spring season. 

The key that ties this together is timing, and it is everything when it comes to believing in God.


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A Glitch in Time (means nothing to God)
When I was preparing my notes for this writing, I actually thought that DST was this weekend.  It seems I’m in a hurry for spring to arrive after the cold winter we’ve experienced.  I’m ready for new things to emerge not only in the ground, but in my life.  The glitch is that I want it to happen now hoping God will give us an advance on the timing He has allotted for the season to come.   

All this “thinking” reminded me of something that happened to us when we were waiting for a coupon to come in the mail.  Let me take you back to last year.

Redeeming Value

Read Yancy's Story
As many of you know my husband and I have rescued animals for almost twenty years ranging from bunnies, turtles, cats and dogs.  For most of that time we’ve been a foster home that rehabilitates special needs cats. 

At any given time we could have a range from a kitten to senior in need of continual care and medical attention (like in the case of Yancy, the kitten without a hip.) 

With that responsibility there are large bills, but mainly in the variety of food that has to be kept on hand.  Kidney problems require special food from a vet, but for the most part we participate in a pet food program.  It might not sound like much, but the point system allows you to earn prizes or food vouchers on their pet products. 

Over time purchasing all that pet food adds up, so receiving coupons for free bags is a real blessing. (My husband gets a kick out of it when I say “real” blessing so I do that just for him.) 

After submitting our points we waited and waited, but the coupon never came.  God provided the food for the animals, even the special diet mix we needed at that time.  However, as the months went on we were out of funds due to my husband’s new medical bills.  

It was at that time that the coupon for the pet food came.  The Lord had the item show up in His timing when He knew we would need it, not when we wanted or expected it.  Our waiting was redeemed through a valued little piece of paper.  We were able to get more food than we usually do and in the end it only cost us $1.49. 

When that happened, my husband said to me, “I’ll never question God’s timing again.”  Sounds like a silly thing to say over something that may seem trivial doesn’t it?  So I talked to the Lord about it. 

“Now” isn’t always God’s Best  

I was sitting on the couch in silence waiting for my husband to arrive when my discussion on “timing” transpired.  “Why do we have such a hard time waiting on things?” I asked God.  An inner voice said, “Because people don’t spend time in My Word.”   

It’s true. We pray and go on our merry way forgetting to spend time with God for encouragement and enrichment then when our prayers don’t come to pass we question His timing. 

“Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” (Romans 15:4 NLT) 

The Lord was showing me that if we cannot wait on Him for the small things, we’ll never be able to hold out for the large things He has planned for us.  If we are to receive the best or bigger blessing of favor, we need to have faith and patience as we wait for the perfect time to come. 

What if they waited a little longer for that special moment ...

I'd say timing made a difference wouldn't you?
Think she'll exchange the ring for a hospital bracelet?
Mr. & Mrs. Stickman 

If you don’t believe me what do you think of this?  A friend of my husband’s recently had surgery on his shoulder and is unable to work at the time. It will be months before he can return to doing any physical activity, therefore limiting his income.  

As someone my husband spends time working with, I pray that the favor of God would come on him.  You have to pray over those who come in contact with your loved ones. Now mind you, this man is not a believer, but we can see how the Lord is moving on his heart.   

Valentine’s Day was coming when he heard there was going to be a concert for a certain group he and his wife liked, but it was out of town and costly.  Upon doing research he learned that it was being offered to veterans (which he was one) for free. 

Introducing Mr. & Mrs.Stickman
Before the concert they wanted to go out to eat, so they went to a moderately priced restaurant. The hostess gave them a menu before they were seated. 

After a lengthy amount of time, “Stickman” as I call him, got up and walked over to the register to ask if a waitress would come take their order.  (I actually call him that because he is an excellent cartoon artist.) 

Immediately after the waitress arrived, the manager came over to their table and said, “Whatever they order is free.  We’re taking care of it.”  

With a smile on his face our friend said, “You were supposed to say that after we ordered so we only get what we came in for, but you said it before, so now we can order anything we want and for those three tables too.”   

She laughed and said, “Get whatever you like.” 

Upon arrival at the Civic Arena they received front row seats.  Someone arranged for rooms off to the side for veterans to get all the free snacks and beverages they wanted for the show …and get this … for the ride home!   

They also received a gift package of treats that included a daily devotional and a New Testament Bible, which the sponsors didn’t supply!  Now how did that stuff get in there?  

Our Time or Favored Timing  

Let's face it, we get a lot of things wrong based solely on timing.  We had nothing to do with this to mess it up; God made sure of that!

It was God’s timing that allowed our friends to be there on that date.  He knew that our friends wanted to see this group and made a way for His Word to get into their hands, without us doing it.  

The favor of God came in his life, because we have been asking God to show Himself mighty so they would believe in Him. 

Living the life of a child of God requires large and small blessings/favor to fall on His children every day.  Favor can come in a simple coupon, meals being paid for, concert tickets, prayer for a loved one to a new car or home.  The size of favor always comes according to the size of the need in God’s purpose not ours.  The blessings of being rewarded for faithfulness are entirely different.   

God sends favor where it brings Him glory and serves His plan.  That’s why we need favor to finish our journey and share the gospel message of Christ, and it is vital others see it happening to draw them to God.  It is also the reason we cannot rush the timing of God.  

He knows exactly when to change the time for things to spring ahead in your life, so leave time in His hands.

This Week’s Challenge:
Set Your Belief Clock 

Sometimes it is hard waiting for the favor of God to come in the areas we need them, so I’m going to give direction like I would to my clients or students.  Set your belief clock on someone else.  That’s right. 

While waiting, we often need encouragement to keep believing as we wait.  Situations arise that can take our eyes off the prize and we don’t want that to happen.  Instead of wondering when God’s timing is going to catch up with ours, we’re going to do two things.   

The first is doing what God said about spending more time in the Word.  It will help build our faith so we won’t fall into unbelief.  King David ministered to his spirit by meditating on the promises of God; we need to do the same.  

Second we’re going to begin praying favor in the life of someone who needs salvation.  Pray and believe that it will come to them so they see it is the Lord drawing them to Him and He receives the glory. 

As you begin to do these things, you will see how God’s timing is everything, and not waiting for His best will be out of the question.

“May the LORD show you His favor and give you His peace.”
(Numbers 6:26 NLT)

I’ve selected a song from a  children's ministry that I’d like to share with you.  It was perfect timing ….

Bible song - God's Own Time


Until next time, believe God’s favor is set in His time.

“My favor may not come today,
but it is surely on its way.”
Jesus Christ


What’s New This Week: Click on book or link.

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1167566&item_no=693906
by Debby Akerman

   

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
Scripture reference was taken from the New Living Translation Version provided by Bible Gateway
Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified.
Image:  Daylight Saving Time Spring Ahead  Stickman  God's Perfect Timing  Timing Makes A Difference Couple
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.

3 comments:

  1. What a wonderful devotional! I know I don't spend enough time in God's Word, though I'm doing better. While I'm looking forward to spring, I'm not at all looking forward to the time change; I prefer having the extra light at the beginning of the day rather than the end of the day. Guess I'd better start planning on looking for blessings in mornings that now will be dark when I need to wake up.

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    Replies
    1. Susan I do the same thing as I long for spring. Each morning I look to see if it's a little bit lighter earlier. For the past few nights I've been having difficulty sleeping and have had more quiet time thinking about the new things God has planned for me that day. I can't help but get excited.

      One can image your glorious times with God having such a beautiful property. No wonder you get so many great articles and thoughts! Good seeing you here today. You are a blessing to me.

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