When I was new mommy of two, grocery shopping with a three-year-old toddler and a baby got very tricky.
With a twenty-pound CJ strapped in a baby carrier on me, I’d push a fidgety TJ in cart, navigating the aisles and a banana-and-milk check list.
It was always a race to the finish. So, when your child asks to buy some cupcakes, it’s important to talk him down slowly, rather than say just say no.
“Good idea! Let’s get them next time.”
This round, however, went to TJ, because his request turned out to be a selfless act.
“But, Mommy…” TJ protests. “Daddy is sick! I think blueberry muffins will make him feel better!”
Back at home, I unload the groceries, baby chews on a bib. TJ sits at the table — with a mouth full of muffin and a glass full of milk.
As I restock the fridge, shaking my head in humor, my preschool son restores my hope in the joys of parenting.
“Mommeee!” TJ calls out, after a gulp to wash down some cake. “These muffins are gooood… Why don’t we get these muffins to Daddy right now?!”
“That would be nice, wouldn’t it?” I holler back, volleying the conversation back in his court.
In a moment of genius, TJ gets inspired.
“I know!… Let’s put some muffins in the mailbox! Then, the postman can pick it up and put it in Daddy’s mailbox at work. He can eat it at work and be happy right away!”
Makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? Put a muffin in the box and have it delivered. Piece of cake.
As far as my little buddy was concerned, he had it all figured out.
After all, he didn’t know that mail doesn’t get processed in an hour. Last I checked, they haven’t invented Star Trek-like food replicators, instantly synthesizing pastries on demand.
Muffin In a Mailbox Thinking
Like my sweet boy, I can’t help but get excited that I have a direct line into God. He can do anything in an instant.
And that’s where I trip up.
I’ll come up with an awesome idea or solution about my life.
You know, God.
… That dream that’s been put on pause and waiting for you to press “play”?
… That breakthrough I’ve been quietly praying about?
… How about that “thing” I’m trusting you with?
When prayers aren’t answered and the fog isn’t lifting, I think God is delayed.
Trouble is, how can I say God is late, if I don’t have the schedule?
I’m just like TJ, wanting to put my muffin into the “magic box” and have it go where I want. When I want.
God Delivers Destiny On Schedule
I’ve got to quit trying to figure out God’s schedule and setting up my own.
Yeah, God’s schedule.
Like a horse being trained to turn circles, God brings me back to the same starting point for faith:
God knows where He needs to get me, and He will get me there.
Faith is designed to keep us holding onto God. As such, there are some things that we just don’t know.
When our lives don’t appear to match up with our destiny, God tells us to relax into His sovereignty.
He’s got everything under His control. His purpose will prevail.
Right on time.
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
Trusting God when the timing in life feels off is hard. But, our journey is not invisible to God. His plans for us are unchanging.
When we trust Him, anything and everything we do holds value in God’s eyes. To God, our faith is what He treasures. It’s what Jesus saw in the widow who dropped her all in the offering box at the temple. And it’s faith He also sees in our hearts, when we draw near to Him offering Him our questions and our surrender — especially when timing of circumstances or events don’t match what we expect. He sees. He sees.
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How is God calling you to trust Him with His timing?
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36 Comments
God delivers destiny on schedule–
I needed that reminder, my friend. Thank you.
I love the way children help us see differently. Such a tender heart your boy has. I linked a story about trusting in Him when the timing in life feels off for this faith jam. I have had lots of those moments when I had to look past my circumstances and believe in Him more than what I see. And I realized this morning, that I am at that place once again. Thanks for the encouragement, it is timely for me.
Oh I love this story. The innocence of children. It is so hard to trust sometimes isn’t it? When our minds can’t understand we have to remember His ways are higher than our ways. Not always easy though is it?
I think this is exactly what God is asking me to do! I have been hearing Him tell me to expect “a new thing” to happen in my world; yet, I have been in a holding pattern on it for quite some time now. I feel very much in transition in many areas of my life, searching for where He wants me.
It is amazing how God’s timing works. His most frequently asked question of me of late is: Do you trust me? I have come so far as to answer, I want to and I wish I did. And He just keeps on asking.
“Trusting God when the timing in life feels off is hard. But, our journey is not invisible to God. His plans for us are unchanging.”
I am grateful for the reminder that I am not invisible. Thank you Bonnie. With a broken heart and trust I needed this.
Thanks for reminding me that He delights in faith lived out in the ordinary day. So many times I think I ought to be doing something great and noble for the Lord when really, all He asks is that I be faithful today. I’m right where He led me and at least for now, here I am to stay. Truth is, God calls many of us to an ordinary life through which He, not we, will do the extraordinary. Blessings to you, Bonnie, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thank you for that reminder in this time of “delay” for me. Just to remember the “He sees, He sees,” is very comforting. God Bless you.
This is so good. =) So true.
Another resonating post, Bonnie! I am continually questioning God’s timing as doubt sinks its roots deep into my heart. “If it were meant to be, wouldn’t it by now?” This mentality flows through my mind regularly. Thank God, He has ordained even stronger encouragers in His Kingdom on earth, such as you. Blessings to you, my friend.
Thanks for these words. I grew up in an achoholic/abusive household, so I have some issues that this year I am actively dealing with and working through. There are times when I feel like nothing is happening, so thank you for your words, they were very helpful.
Oh, Bonnie, I need this reminder daily. Thanks!
Bonnie, I was blown away when I saw that we had similar themes! This morning as I drove I kept thinking about God’s current hold in my life with so much…especially being unemployed and all. I wrote my blog in my mind as I drove…does anyone else do this? I love your post as it was so in line what God was speaking to my heart as well…all the way over here on the East Coast…and like mindedness with you in Spirit on the West Coast! God is so amazing!
Yes,
I too need to be reminded sometimes minute by minute that the Lord has a different “To Do”
List for me than I have for myself.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.”
John 14:1
God’s timing is so perfect and what lessons children can teach us. Wonderful post!
‘Wait’ it’s one of the hardest things we do. I’m glad that God goes before us and cares enough to close the doors that will lead to no good. When the door closes on something I’ve really prayed for and wanted, knowing and believing that there must have been a good reason for it, helps mourning the loss of it a bit easier.
Great post Bonnie!
Talk about an on-time word. I’ve been giving all the issues that you’ve talked about a good, hard think in the past few days. Two weeks ago, God relocated me geographically. The way it came about was definitely a mighty move of God. In spite of this, I still catch myself feeling dissatisfied about the seeming lack of movement in other areas of my life, namely finances and relationships. While I was reading the first few lines of the devotion, I couldn’t help but think to myself that were I to see you and your young ones in the grocery store, my heart would just melt. How I long for my season as a wife and mother to come. My favorite line in the devo was “When we trust Him, anything and everything we do holds value in God’s eyes”. Thank you so very much for this reminder today. Bless you Bonnie!
I think it is very hard to wait and trust in the Lord. Our family has suffered so much. Our precious 25 year old son was killed five years ago. Our entire world seemed to shatter! We have hung onto our faith but it has been a very long, sad journey. Our remaining son struggles without his brother. They were so very close! I cannot understand why God does not intervene. I am trying not to give up hope but sometimes waiting on God to reveal his plan is so difficult!
Thank-you for sharing the precious story about your son and the muffins. Children do give us new perspectives–and smiles.
I liked the verses that you included, especially Proverbs 19:21 Lining up with God’s purposes means releasing our will.
Have a blessed weekend!
You’re so right, Bonnie–definitely trust is the key word for sure! So challenging but so, so crucial! Thank you so much for this beautiful post! Blessings! Good luck with your book!
Sorry if this posts double–I had a problem while posting and wasn’t sure if it got submitted, so I submitted again–sorry for any repeats! You’re so right, Bonnie–trust is the most important thing! So challenging but so, so crucial! Thank you for this beautiful post and reminder! Blessings! Good luck with your book!
Oh boy. I’ve been about ready to fuss at God for being so delayed on a decision I’m waiting on. Not now. Thanks for the reminder that “He is right on time.” You’re right and I know it. Thanks, Bonnie!
Oh my, this week has been a bit chaotic and I’m only now reading your post Bonnie. I loved it! It’s so amazing how little children can illustrate spiritual lessons and principles. Your sweet boy just wanted what he wanted, when he wanted it and for daddy to be happy too. Precious …
Just when I think I’ve learned the lesson the Lord has been teaching me I sometimes take a step backwards. We are moving in the next few weeks and I find I’m starting to feel anxiety about this. It’s really a good thing as I’ll be closer to work and my previous neighborhood and what I’m comfortable with. But it is so small and I have to choose what I can take with me. It’s really just stuff but …in so many ways, I’ve lost so much already.
But there is something I’ve been praying about for almost 20 years and I’ve not seen an answer yet. I keep hoping with each new challenge that my prayer will be answered but still nothing. But I continue to pray and trust God’s timing. I don’t know what it will take but I know that in the meantime, He is changing me and chiseling away at more of Debbie.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Bonnie, thank you for allowing us to comment. Maybe you know….but…I’m not sure if you know how valuable you make us feel, that we are worthy to comment on your blog. I’m chuckling to myself right now, because of the pure joy I feel inside….that I matter…..that you want to hear my voice. Thank you Bonnie, for bringing the sweet love, the accepting love, the pure love of Jesus, of our Heavenly Father that says, “Come…..come as you are, you are accepted, you are beautiful, I love to hear your voice.” Thanks, God’s timing is always perfect!
I love the innocence of your son’s thoughts and the idea of embracing the place where “everything we do holds value in God’s eyes.” Beautifully put, Ginger
God is every where..
Great reminder on trusting His timing, Bonnie. And I totally love that you referenced Star Trek. 🙂
Oh…I feel so much like this is an ongoing season of trusting Him with what seems like OFF timing!
Thank you for addressing this topic and challenging our faith…
Oh, how God is calling me to trust His timing! Long-term illness is a challenge on its own, but setbacks and uncertainty make it even more difficult to accept. I don’t know how we would handle it if we didn’t know that God is always in control and everything happens in His timing, for His purposes.
One of our friends at church–a very sweet, wise, older man–frequently asks, “Everything under control?” And bless his heart: he always looks surprised and laughs when I say, “Yes, but not mine, and I’m glad!” When I try to take control of a situation, I always make a big mess of it!
Bonnie, I’ve just discovered your blog and so enjoyed this post. It parallels much of my own journey at the moment. I think it’s always comforting to know that I’m not the only one who has received His invitation to wait.
Blessings,
Anne / shadowwonder
What a wonderful illustration of God’s timing vs. our timing, Bonnie. I’m trusting Him with timing in business, ministry, and so many other things. Everything is in His hands, right where it’s supposed to be, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to lean in and let Him lead. He’s so good and so patient though. And for that, I am eternally grateful. Thank you, Bonnie.
So glad I stumbled upon your blog today, I needed this reminder from God that he has the best timing. I keep thinking something should be happening and wondering why it isn’t. I want God’s will, I’m just a bit impatient at the moment. Thanks for reminding me to let go of my time table, he has it all under control.
How often have I tried to run the cosmos… It never seems to work out. I’ve found that in the difficult times I find and need more of God. I wonder if at the end of our lives, we don’t have the complete revelation from God that those are the best times in our lives…
Delays and sometimes denials are necessary in all our lives at times. I think to a great measure it verifies our human insufficiency in seeing and understanding the full scope of the Lord’s plans for our lives. In this life we see in part but need to trust fully in the Sovereign Lord as to His timing and how our lives will continue to be shaped as we rely on Him and relationally stay in covenant with Him. It is when we are able to fully let go of our agenda and demands and surrender our all to Him that we find rest, and true rest. When we cease striving and just abide in Him , He can meet us wonderfully and we can come to the conclusion Paul came to in learning to be content in all circumstances. During pressing painful moments I especially want to dig deeper into knowing Him for the more I know of Him and His ways, the more I can love and trust Him with aspects of my life. This journey is never a quick fix but a continual pressing and in this quest I pray I will not be angered with the Lord when things do not turn out as hoped for.
Thank you for the needed reminder that God knows where He needs to get me and HE will get me there. Right now my life doesn’t appear to match up with my destiny….and hasn’t for quite a while. I found your site “by chance” and am probably about 30 yrs. too old for it 🙂 BUT GOD….! I’m a grandma whose desire is to see young women live out their faith day by day and raise their children to love our Lord wholeheartedly. God has given me a passion to come alongside younger women in their walk of faith. Although I’ve been very involved in women’s ministry in various churches over the last 25 yrs., God now has me in a holding pattern due to many confining health issues. But, faith is DAILY, moment by moment, and in all circumstances He tells us to rest in His sovereignty. He IS in control and HIS purpose will prevail. Due to various circumstances at present, my contact with other ladies is at a minimum…..so God has used you and your site to refresh and encourage me this day. Am new to this “blog thing” but am considering how I might somehow set up a “mentoring” blog for younger women. Thank you.
Eyes on Him,
Penny
Penny, thanks for taking the time to share your story. May God continue to refresh you … and lead you in your desire to mentor younger women! Blessings!