The Time is Not Yet Right

70 degrees and sunny with a few clouds describes an absolutely beautiful day. This type of spring weather that contains the perfect conditions for getting started on new garden planting for this coming year. There is one main problem to be considered. The date on the calendar is March 8th and this is Wisconsin. As beautiful as this day may be, there is still plenty of opportunity for the type of cold weather that can destroy any new plants. Although the weather may seem perfect, planting must be put off for another two months.

Actually there is another significant problem with setting today as a garden planting day. We have not yet purchased the seeds and seedlings that will be planted in our vegetable garden. We have also only drawn up the plans for the raised garden beds that we intend to use this year. The materials needed to make this year’s garden maintenance easier on our backs and knees have not yet been secured. There is not only still a few months before planting is advisable, but there is also much more preparation to  be performed before we are ready to plant those new beds with the vegetables that we will enjoy later in the summer.

Contemplating the plans that God has for our futures, we can often see the same principle worked out. There may come a time or series of circumstances that indicate this to be the perfect time to move forward with those dreams God has placed in our hearts. By all appearances the conditions may be perfect for the endeavor that has been developing in our hearts. And yet God says to wait. We can reason, argue and scheme all that we like, but God's timing and purpose are still a ways off. We cannot move forward with success unless we wait for His perfect time. We may also be unaware of all of the preparation both in our own hearts and in all those who will be affected by us.

So what can be done during this mandatory waiting time? We can follow the example of Jesus ministry here on earth. Jesus did nothing without first seeing and knowing the Father has set it up. “So Jesus answered them by saying, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself [of His own accord],unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever things the Father does, the Son [in His turn] also does in the same way.” (John 5:19 AMP) And when His disciples attempted to convince Him go to Jerusalem during a feast to show Himself to the world, “So Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come; but any time is right for you.” (John 7:6 AMP) In the disciple’s eyes, the timing appeared perfect, but Jesus knew to wait for His Heavenly Father to say, “Go.”

We must remain confident that God has a more perfect plan. “As for God, His way is blameless. The word of the Lord is tested [it is perfect, it is faultless];” (Psalm 18:30a AMP) This may confuse us, but God always knows better than we do. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 AMP) We continue to prepare for the things we know God is calling us to and living each day as the Lord directs, allowing Him to lead. A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them. (Proverbs 16:9 AMP)

God’s perfect plan always includes perfect timing. We must wait and believe He will bring it to pass when the time is right. Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14 AMP) Regardless of anything that is occurring around us, we wait with a good attitude. “Be still before the Lord; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him; do not fret (whine, agonize) because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.” (Psalm 37:7 AMP)

Waiting when the vision in our hearts is big can be extremely challenging. Even though our patience is hard fought and our hearts are longing for what is ahead, wait we must. We believe this promise, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12 AMP) The correct time will come and we will move forward with joy. When we have responded to waiting in this manner, we can confidently state, “I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1 AMP)

Are you waiting for something that you know God has promised you?  Wait well!