Timing

One of the axioms in business is, "Timing is everything."  That is not only true in business, it is true in all of life.  As Solomon revealed millenia ago, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven" (Eccl 3:1).  And, experientially, we know it to be true.  Planting crops must be in season, making investments must coincide with the rise and fall of market trends, becoming pregnant depends on cycles.  We're born, we die, we increase, we decrease, we begin, we conclude; timing is everything.

We all know this to be true and yet, we don't want to wait.  We're more like the woman who prayed for patience and asked the Lord to give it to her right away.  To test the patience level of the average American, try pausing more than two seconds after the traffic light turns green.  Ever watch people after they push an elevator button?  Maybe that was you who sighing with exasperation as it took more than a minute to open.

Patience is called a virtue in Colossians 3:12-14.  Forbearance and self-control are identified as fruits of the Spirit of God in Galatians 5:22-23.  We are specifically instructed, "Be patient then, brothers and sisters...See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waitting for the autumn and spring rains.  You too be patient" (Jam 5:7-8).

And yet, we seem to think it is somehow virtuous to be in a hurry, to get on it, get it done and move on.  Waiting for results generally results in our becoming impatient.  At the same time, we dream of a vacation on a sunny island beach, where we can lay back, slow down and do anything but hurry.  I wonder which part of us is correct - the hurried, can't wait to get it done or the relaxed, I can wait for the right time?

The Word of God is clear, your inner desire is unwavering; the peace of the patient spirit is far superior to the anxiety of the hurried flesh.  So, why don't you slow down a bit, why don't you seek a sabbath rest, why won't you be more patient?  Since timing is everything, why don't you wait on the Lord's timing?  Jus' Ask'n.