Isaiah 60:22 (NLT) The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.
God’s plans for us have a specific timetable and if we run ahead we will miss His best. God will often reveal his intent but there is an appointed time. To illustrate this point, let us look at King David. David was appointed king but never became king until years later. The period between his anointing and ascension to the throne involved waiting. During this time, he had great trials but it prepared him to be the ruler God wanted. At the right time he became king and we read of his many exploits today.
About a year ago I was furniture shopping. I had a particular store in mind, but then Lord led me to another store which was more expensive and totally not on my radar. I went to the store and found the perfect sofa, it was a bit expensive but really nice. I decided I wanted that one and proceeded to make the purchase. Days after the purchase, I felt unsettled in my spirit but didn’t know why. In my mind I had prayed about making the initial purchase so I was wondering what was causing this feeling. God is willing to speak if we are willing to listen and so He revealed my source of discomfort. When I had finally identified the sofa, I just went ahead and made the purchase without even consulting Him further. God requires intimacy with us. He is not a micromanager but desires to be a part of our every decision. I was unsettled in my spirit because I had failed to confirm with God if it was the right sofa or time to make the purchase.
About two weeks after I had made the purchase and the sofa was delivered, I decided to shop for a cover. Based on the colour, I wanted to ensure that it was protected. I needed the measurements for the sofa cover and so I decided to visit the company’s site that I bought it from, to see if I could get the dimensions of the sofa. I found it online and to my dismay the price had fallen drastically. I felt bummed. In that moment no one had to tell me because immediately, I recognized a valuable lesson. If I had waited a little longer and continued to speak to God about it, I knew I would have benefited from this huge discount. When God reveals His plan to us, we must wait for the signal to move ahead. So He sent me to that store where I saw that sofa, which means the plan was for me to have that sofa, but it didn’t mean it was the time for the purchase. Two weeks later the sofa price fell. Some may ask, how do I know when to move? Just like a physical relationship, we all have a love language (s) in which God communicates to us.
I missed a huge savings and I am not exaggerating, what a lesson that was for me. In this season if the Lord is saying “Be still”, it means we must be still. For reflection, read 1 Samuel 13. Timing is everything and like Saul, running ahead of God might cost us something great. If you feel anxious about something, do not move forward or make a decision in haste. Anxiety is contrary to God’s word, as it says be anxious for nothing. When God reveals the plan you must still wait for his timing. As Isaiah 60:22 states, when the time is right, the Lord will make it happen.
Life Interrupted 