Doing things God’s way, and in his timing

I always figured I’d get married in my mid-20s.  I think my brother got married at about age 28, my sister at about age 26, and I figured I’d get married at about age 27. 

It didn’t happen that way.  I had to wait all the way until I was in my mid-thirties before I got married.  And it got frustrating at times. 

But in God’s timing, he gave me everything that I asked for in a woman, and more.

I never compromised in the standards that I felt God had given me, but I got close sometimes. 

But I know other single Christians who struggled with the same things I did.  And they did compromise in areas where they shouldn’t have. 

I’m not judging them, because I’d have to judge myself.  While I may have not compromised in this area, I have compromised in others.

But as Christians, we need to learn to do things God’s way and in his timing. 

To me, that’s the lesson of Numbers 9.

First, there’s the story of the Passover. 

God commanded that all the people celebrate it, but some could not because they were ceremonially unclean.  And so they asked Moses what to do. 

Moses didn’t just give his opinion.  Rather, he said, “Wait until I find out what the LORD commands concerning you.” (Numbers 9:8) 

And when he received his instructions from God, the people obeyed.

And then the story relates how God led the people. 

The cloud which represented God’s presence stood over the tabernacle.  And when it lifted from the tabernacle, the people would set out.  Wherever it settled, the people stayed.

The Israelites only moved when the cloud did.  Even if it stayed for an entire year, the people would not go out ahead of it. 

Instead, they would wait for God’s timing.

The Bible says,

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.  (Proverbs 14:12)

Sometimes, we think we know all that we have to do.  Sometimes we even think we know better than God. 

But so often we get into trouble because we don’t take the time to seek God’s will. 

Or we get impatient waiting for God’s timing, and we go ahead and do things on our own. 

How much better would our lives be if we did things His way and in His timing?  Whether it’s searching for a husband or wife.  Whether it’s searching for a better job.  Whatever it may be.

It’s not always easy.  Especially when we have to wait a long time. 

After waiting a year in one place, I can imagine the Israelites getting impatient, wondering when they’d be able to go to the land God promised. 

But God knew what was best for them and he asked them to trust him and to keep doing things his way. 

He asks the same thing of us.

Lord, sometimes as I consider my life, things don’t go the way I hope.  And I get impatient.  And I start to wonder if it’s worth waiting on you and to continue doing things your way, or if I should just do things my own way. 

Lord, help me to be obedient to you and your voice.  You have proven yourself faithful to me when I’ve done things your way and in your timing. 

So help me to remember those times when I’m feeling tired.  When I’m feeling discouraged.  When I’m feeling impatient.  Help me to do things your way and in your timing.  In Jesus’ name, amen.