Gods timing

Several years ago...for my sweet 16 birthday, my parents gave me a unique keychain with a key to my truck. I loved it! That key represented freedom and independence. Exactly what I was craving at that time. It was the right gift at the right time.

If my parents had given me that same gift when I was six, it would have been very strange and inappropriate. At six, I would have wondered what it was for and how to use it. My parents knew what to give and when to give it.

In James 1:17 we are told that God our Father gives good gifts to us, His children. Not only does He give good gifts, but He knows perfectly what to give and when to give it. His gifts are not spur of the moment because He forgot that a special day was on its way. His gifts are all about perfect timing.

When I was five, I couldn't reach my jacket that was hanging on the last peg just above the cement steps that led to the basement of my uncles house. I called out for help, but refused to wait. A tumble down those steps produced a black eye that stayed for a very long time. I didn't trust that those who loved me would come and do what I needed when I wanted it.

Many of us are asking God for help. We are crying out for something we need. The key is, can we wait patiently, trusting that His timing is perfect? Can we trust that He has our best in mind and is working on our behalf?

Sometimes I grow impatient. I want what I want and I want it now. So I make the mistake of trying to get it by myself . Have you ever tried to get something by yourself? Is there something in your life that you really want...now? Im shaking my head yes on my end!!!

Is there one thing you feel if you could have, your life would be complete? If you could just have that job at that pay, life would be so much better. If God would just open your womb, the emptiness would finally be gone. If He would just heal your broken, cold marriage, your heart would be joyful. If He would just fulfill that lifelong dream, you would be content. In talking with people at work in the last few months I have heard many of these comparisons. Are you tempted, like me, to get that thing any way you can, even with the possibility you could end up with way more than a black eye? In the last few weeks Ive had to step back and remember my black eye as a kid and how painful it was physically and I don't want another one.

There are times with all of our prayers He seems to answer "no" or at least "not now." It is here, where our desires intersect His will that we have to trust the Father knows best and every gift comes from Him. Every time, in His time, the gift is good and perfect.

I have seen God's perfect gifts in my life as I have waited on Him.

*Waited on Him for a man that would treat me the way a woman should be treated... and he delivered.
*Waited on him to soften my parents heart to meet that man he sent me... and now they love him.
*Waited on him to open my own eyes about my purpose in life... now I have a job that I love and that reassured me that Nursing is my calling in life.
*Waited on him during the financial hard times when I wasn't sure the rent would be paid or have gas or grocery money... and he has always fulfilled and my bills are always paid.
*Now I am waiting for him to make my dreams come true. I know that in HIS time and NOT mine the things that I have been dreaming about since I was a little girl will be mine. And this whole patience thing will make me appreciate it more when his time arrives for me!!

I see my history with Him and I'm going to choose to keep on waiting for His good and perfect gifts.

Father God, waiting on You is so hard! My heart wants to get things moving, step up and take action. Help me to always bring my desires to You, knowing that You always have my best at heart.