God’s Own Timeline

Everyone experiences challenges while working hard for a goal. But it’s not a matter of whoever has more difficulty. It’s about how we handle ourselves during those times. And this is where God comes through in a timely way. If you don’t really feel good because of what you are going through, tell him. Admitting the truth is not a sign of weakness.

Rather than wallowing into your problems, you should look for things that can relieve you of unhappy thoughts. I’m not talking about stress-eating or too much hanging out. What I mean is in these times, the more you are in a tug-of-war sort of situation, the more you should go deeper in prayer. Be steadfast in your faith with Jesus. I can keep on saying these things to you, but you have to believe that God is working out his plans to reveal a better future for you and without seeking him, you won’t have the wisdom to realize that.

It’s that usual saying, ”Be patient at all times” but it’s more than that. What God really wants us to know is that those detours we encounter along the way are just setbacks for us to experience and learn from. But you also have to be honest with yourself. Consider this as an opportunity to seek him further. You have to believe his words and his works and rather than becoming desperate for worldly teachings, become desperate to learn more of what God can do in your life because our breakthrough comes from him.

Do not look for extravagant signs and wonders, nor test him. He has better plans for you. So when you pray, always ask him to guide and lead you. Do not push him to give you what you want, because he will definitely give it to you. The only difference is that in the end, you will suffer the consequences. It’s like when you unwittingly spend all the money you have never really worked hard to earn, and then you lose it all in the blink of an eye. The same thing can happen to you if you keep questioning him over something that does not match his timeline. You wouldn't want that, would you?

God wants the best for you. And when he’s on the process of getting you there on the pedestal, do your best to be cooperative. Don’t be distracted by the ungodly principles of the world because it brings you more doubt and confusion that will lead to envy by comparing your situation with the success of others. Believe in the power of prayer because you are establishing a personal communication with God through it. Seek him through Jesus and ask instead for the Holy Spirit to come to your life so he may lead you to understand what is right and what is uncalled for, and to avoid being deceived through manipulation. The Bible is one of the best tools to start with, so I want to share with you some uplifting passages for encouragement:

1. Faith in Action

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. - Hebrews‬ ‭11:1‬

2. Present Suffering and Future Glory

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬

3. God Disciplines his Children

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:2‬

4. Comfort for God’s People

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. - ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:29‬

5. Wisdom Bestows Well-Being

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. - Proverbs‬ ‭3:5‬

6. His Declaration

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬

God is with you in your fight for success. You just need to trust him. I understand it’s not easy to just wait, so let him know and accept that you need him in your life. As a friend once said during one of our life group conversations, God has his own timeline. So don’t rush yourself, you are not running out of time.

If you believe in the concept of stepping stones, then I’d say God is a rock, a mightier structure to hold onto while you work your way to climb up the path to freedom and promotion. He is bigger than those hardships. And remember that at the end of every race is a finish line. You will get there so don’t worry and just take your time. God is in control and nothing is impossible with him. And once you’ve made it, be thankful to him for that favor.