In Due Time

Yesterday we were thinking about Hannah and how she brought her troubles to the Lord in prayer.  Her problem, she was barren and wanted a child.  We’re told that God heard her prayer and then this:

It came about in due time, after Hannah had conceived, that she gave birth to a son; and she named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him of the Lord.”

1 Samuel 1:20

We are all grateful to know that God hears and answers prayer.  We’re grateful that God always works for good in our circumstances when we trust Him.  But I’m just not sure we all appreciate the “in due time” part of the process. We’d prefer things to happen now – or even yesterday, wouldn’t we.

But God knows everything that’s going on and He’s doing so much behind the scenes that makes His answer to our requests so much fuller and better than and instantaneous snap-your-fingers kind of response.

Jesus could have paid the price for our sins one second after Adam and Eve stumbled and sinned but God had a right time for that so we, as a friend of mine used to label us “guilty hell deserving sinners” could know God’s forgiveness and saving for ourselves.

For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:6

And this is what I know and rely on today.  If we will give ourselves to God, surrender our lives and circumstances into His care, He will bring His mighty power to bear on our troubles and lift us up in the right way and at the right time – in due time.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

1 Peter 5:6

Oh Loving God, The stories of what You’ve faithfully done in our lives and circumstances to bring us to today are endless.  Some things seemed spectacular in the moment and so many more seemed mundane but they were all exactly what You knew needed to happen so we could come to this place of loving relationship with You.

We have so many situations that need Your intervention and loving power and I pray that You will help us to be faithful to bring them to You so You can act in the right way on our behalf.

And when the “in due time” seems hard for us, I pray that we will trust Your good and wise heart, knowing that You will not delay one second longer than is necessary for the very best good to be done for us. Amen

Let’s live in God’s moment, in God’s time, and trust Him for whatever it is we need,” in due time.”  Have a great day.