This is what the LORD says: “At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation I will help you . . . .” ISAIAH 49:8 (NLT)

_____________________________________________________________________________

Proverbs 25:11 says, “Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.” The King James Version is emblazoned on many a memory as saying, “Words fitly spoken.” The Christian Standard Version says, “A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings.” The Message says it this way: “The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry, . . . .”

Timing is important. Consider the declaration, “How lovely you are!” When spoken to your wife as she steps into the living room after preparing for a banquet, these words will find a fonder reception than when she steps in from a sudden rainstorm for which she had no umbrella and is drenched to the bone. 

The right thing in the wrong timing usually concludes counter to intention. In other words, “Oops.”  

The right play at the right time in a game seals a victory. The right pitch in the right count gets a strikeout. The right turn at the right time leads to the right destination. The right answer at the right time earns a higher score on an exam.

Never underestimate the power of timing. 

Our Father in heaven is particularly good at timing. 

Consider this: What if the Red Sea had opened a day earlier or later? What if a Middle-Eastern Mom had not sent her son out with a sack lunch on the day five thousand hungry people pressed in on Jesus and his disciples?

We could go on. 

What if I had not been standing alone with no one to talk to and nothing to do the day Katie entered the Baptist Student Union and pretended to read the bulletin board while awaiting the arrival of a friend? What if I had not gathered the courage to walk up and speak to her for the first time six months later and ask her out on a date moments before another guy was preparing to do the same?

Timing.

God’s timing is perfect. He is never early, never late. He says, “At just the right time, I will respond to you.” This is another good reminder from the Bible that waiting is one of the most important disciplines we ever learn. How many times does the Bible record God’s straightforward command, “Wait”? Frequently enough for us to hear it, but apparently not enough for it to sink in. 

If God has not delivered you yet in a manner showing the whole world how good he is and how he loves everyone who waits on him in faith, keep waiting. His promises made are his promises kept. 

At just the right time, I will respond to you.

Maybe it’s the right time for a little prayer practice. Here is an example of how to pray when you have to wait:

Our Father, your timing is perfect. You are never early, never late. I need you now. I need you in this moment and in this situation. Show me the way I should go. Give me the strength for the journey. Give me the strength to be still. Protect me, defend me, surround me. Give me the grace to wait and grace when it is time to move. Enlarge my faith so that standing still feels as faithful as plunging ahead. Give me the self-discipline to stand still and watch you do what only you can do, and to await your perfect timing. Give me the peace of contentment in this pregnant moment with you. Amen.

To get good at following God’s path, we have to get good at waiting. As much as we hate waiting, some things are worth waiting for. 

Wait for it. . . . 

_____________________________________________________________________________

I will wait when it is time to wait.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Our Father, waiting is not my best strength. I prefer quick solutions and a fast pace. I want to accomplish many things today and every day. However, I want to learn to wait because I do not want to miss the one thing worth waiting for. Deliver me from hurry. Save me from the temptation to rush. Strengthen me to restrain my impulse for fruitless activity. Amen.