Ever been through trying times? Wondered if or how you will or would be able to get through them? We need to trust God in the process for He is working things out. Where did you turn? What did you do? Be patient and trust in God’s perfect timing!
Trusting God’s Plan:
In moments of uncertainty and adversity, it’s crucial to lean on God’s promises and trust in His divine plan. As Proverbs 3:5-6 advises,
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
This passage reminds us to surrender our doubts and fears to God, acknowledging His wisdom and sovereignty. Even when the path ahead seems unclear, God promises to guide us and lead us toward His intended destination. The key takeaway here is that while we may not always comprehend God’s ways, we can have confidence that He is orchestrating everything for our good.
Patience in Waiting:
Waiting for God’s timing can be challenging, especially when we’re eager for answers or relief. However, Isaiah 40:31 assures us,
"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."
This verse highlights the importance of patience and endurance in our faith journey. Instead of rushing ahead or growing weary, we’re called to wait expectantly on God, knowing that He will provide us with renewed strength to endure. The key takeaway is that waiting on God isn’t passive; it’s an active process of trusting, praying, and seeking His will while maintaining hope and perseverance.
Embracing God’s Timing:
God’s timing is perfect, even if it doesn’t align with our own desires or expectations. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us,
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."
This verse emphasizes the cyclical nature of time and the divine order in which God operates. Sometimes, what we perceive as delays or setbacks are actually opportunities for growth, refinement, and preparation. Instead of resisting or becoming discouraged by God’s timing, we’re called to embrace it wholeheartedly, knowing that He is orchestrating every detail according to His divine purpose. The key takeaway is that as we surrender our timelines to God, we open ourselves up to His transformative work in our lives, trusting that His plans far surpass our own.
Trust God in the Process and wait on His Perfect Timing
Trusting God in the process and His perfect timing requires faith, patience, and surrender. As we navigate life’s challenges and uncertainties, we can find solace in God’s promises and His unwavering love for us. By leaning on Scripture, praying fervently, and cultivating a posture of trust, we can confidently journey through the highs and lows, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. May we continually remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty, trusting that His timing is always impeccable, and His plans are ultimately for our good and His glory.
Today’s Devotional:
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit DavidJeremiah.org.
EXPERIENCE PATIENCE
Verse: Luke 21:19 (NIV)
Stand firm, and you will win life.
As dads navigate the challenges and responsibilities of fatherhood, they are called to stand firm in their faith and perseverance. This verse encourages fathers to remain steadfast in their commitment to their families, even in the face of trials and difficulties. Be the dads by cultivating a spirit of resilience and patience, knowing that your steadfastness will bear fruit in the lives of your children. This means being present, consistent, and supportive, even when the journey gets tough. Additionally, be the dads who seek strength and guidance from God through prayer and Scripture, trusting in His wisdom and provision to sustain them through every season of fatherhood. By embracing the virtue of endurance, dads can leave a lasting legacy of love, faith, and perseverance for their children to emulate.
Today’s Devotional speaks of a mission who worked among the Lisu people of China named J.O. Fraser. It shares with us how he “once commented about the necessity of waiting on the Lord to do His work without the frantic, panicked, rushing about that characterizes much of our labor.” It goes on to call out the details of Jesus and how He spent quiet time and remained poised throughout His life.
Let’s be the dads who take up that example and avoid getting flustered no matter what happens. Be the dads who never get taken off guard as we lean in and listen to the Holy Spirit throughout our days. Today, let’s be the dads who step into every situation, even if “assailed by men or demons in the midst of fickle people, hostile rules, faithless disciples” calm, cool, and collected. Let’s model our lives by doing no more and no less than what God has given us to do, just like Jesus did. We need to find our purpose so that we can then pursue it and change the world!
Trust God: Don’t hurry and Don’t worry
Today’s Devotional reminds us how we don’t need to hurry or worry, and so we don’t need to be restless as we find it and pursue it. God’s desire is that we can live in His peace as we walk out His plans and purposes for our lives! Today, let’s choose to walk producing the fruit of the Spirit that is patience!
Let’s be the dads who “do things as efficiently as we can”. Let’s be the dads who are ok being patient and “waiting on our Lord’s timing.”
Today’s Devotional closes with the following question: “What situation demands your patience today?” It goes on to challenge us to “remember – His is called the ‘God of patience’ in Romans 15:5”.
LYMAN ABBOTT