Do you wear a watch? So many people today have just forgone the idea of wearing a watch because they have come to rely upon their cellphone for the time. Either way, we like to know what time it is. Clocks are almost always posted in public buildings for us to check the time.
I am a watch girl. I like to have a watch on so with one quick glance at my wrist, I know what time it is. I also like to have clocks around my house for the same reason. A friend of mine gave me a beautiful clock for my office. It sits on my bookcase across from my desk so with a quick glance up I know what time it is. It also makes a ticking sound that can be heard in the quiet but can also be heard above my iPod. When she gave it to me she said “I know this ticks loudly, but it’s on purpose. It will remind you to stay on God’s time, not yours.”
Months ago the battery died in the clock and I just never got around to changing it. I was in my office last week praying through the things God has called me to and in particular, I was praying through the timing of everything. It was then I realized the ticking sound in my office was missing. I was no longer reminded to be on God’s time table, but I was trying to make things fall into place on my time table.
God’s ways are not ours and his thoughts are not ours [Isaiah 55:8]. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” The only way to be sure we’re doing what we’re called to do when we’re called to do it is to trust in the Lord completely; fully relying on His guidance and direction [Proverbs 3:5-6].
As I sit at my computer typing this message, I hear the ticking of the clock in the background reminding me the things God called me to do will be accomplished in His way but also in His time [Job 42:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:24].
Do you feel like you are striving to accomplish something and making no headway, like a hamster in a wheel? Pause and ask the Lord to reveal His plans for you [Jeremiah 29:11]. Once you’re certain He has called you to the task, then ask Him to reveal His timing. The Lord is seldom early, but He’s never late!