Perfect Timing – Be You
Almost two years ago, my wife and I put our condo up for sale. We didn’t know where we’d be moving—we’d figure it out—but we knew we were unhappy and just wanted out. Our building was in a prime location, and with the exploding housing market, we expected our home to sell within hours of listing it.
It didn’t.
But two other units in our building did, and so after four months, we took our home off the market. Our prayers had gone unanswered. We said we trusted God, but more often, we questioned him: “When are we going to sell this place?!” We felt confused and despondent. We felt hopeless.
I imagine the apostles felt the same. For generations, their people had been oppressed. They knew the prophecies of the coming Messiah who would establish his Kingdom. They met him. They followed him. They watched him be killed and then resurrected. They were ready to go!
Acts 1:6
So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”
But Jesus didn’t give them the answers they were hoping for. Instead, he told them not to worry about the dates and times of God’s plan and shifted the conversation to the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:7-8). He tries to get the disciples to see that the what is more important than the when.
Lead Pastor Ben Snyder’s bottom line reminds us to “stop waiting for when, and start focusing on what.” If we can let go of our concern with when God will do something, we can instead focus on what he’s doing in our lives right now. That’s where the action is. The life-changing adventure with Jesus isn’t in the future: it’s right here, in this moment!
Months later, we tried to sell again and received two offers the first day. It sold for more than we were asking, and we found a great new place to live. To be honest, I’m disappointed I missed what God was doing in my life at that time, though looking back, I can see how he was working, and that has made my faith stronger.
We will never know, nor always understand God’s timing, but we can trust that it’s perfect. He is always working for us, even—or perhaps especially—in seasons of waiting. When we remember that, we can let God take care of the when, and instead, focus on what he is doing right now!
Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Questions:
Do you find yourself focused more on the when or the what?
What next step is God calling you to right now?
Next Steps:
If you find yourself focusing on the when, ask God to open your eyes to what he’s doing in your life right now. You won’t want to miss it!
Pray intentionally about the next step God is inviting you to take. Be careful not to let your mind get wrapped up on steps two, three, and four. God will lead you one step at a time!
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I’m so grateful for your love and your promises. Help me to remember them when I find myself waiting on your perfect timing. Help me to trust that you are working for my good, even though I may not see it. I trust you, Lord. In my seasons of waiting for when, open my eyes to what you’re doing in my life right now so that I don’t miss a second of the adventure with you. In your name I pray, amen.
This post was written by Ryan Leone. Ryan is grateful to help people experience Jesus through the written word. He and his wife Mia are Ohio natives who now live in Boulder, Colorado with their dog Bella. Ryan spends most of his time running trails through the Rocky Mountains, exploring God’s beautiful creation.
Check out the Latest LivingItOut Podcast
The LivingItOut Podcast is released every Wednesday morning. It discusses key takeaways and principles from the weekend message. Listen to the weekly podcast in your car, during your lunch break, or any other time that works for you. You can find the latest podcast here.
Leave a Comment?
We would love to hear how the LivingItOut is making a difference in your life. Let us know how today’s post inspired, challenged, or encouraged you by leaving a comment here.
Want to be a part of the LivingItOut team?
We are always looking for people who are passionate about writing and proofing to serve on the LivingItOut team. If you are interested, email LIO@cedarcreek.tv today!
Printable version of this week’s LIO study:
More Resources
Series Theme Verses
LivingItOut Podcast
RightNow Media
John Reading Plan