In Due Time

“And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time [ Amplified: in due time and at the appointed season]we shall reap if we do not grow weary.” – Gal 6:9

I think that we all know that “due time” refers to GOD’S time, not our time. He clearly tells us, “’My thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord” (Isa. 55:8a).

So what is the KEY as we hope for God’s promises to be realized – as we wait (sometimes for years) for the seeds of prayer and faith and hope to bear fruit? Since we already know that our time frame is out of proportion with God’s, focusing upon HOW LONG we have prayed, believed, and waited does not do us much good. In fact it only makes us frustrated and creates doubt as to whether our cries are even being heard by the Lord.

Habakkuk 2:3 says, “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly]for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.”

What we need to discipline ourselves to do is to focus instead upon the character of GOD. Someone told me long ago: “God may be very, very slow, but He is never late!” What I may count as “slow” in my world (i.e.…..”This is taking forever, Lord! Hello? Are you still there?”) is apparently PERFECT timing in God’s world. One thing is sure: He is not going to be TRUE to MY time frame; He will ALWAYS be TRUE to HIMSELF.

To keep sanity and faith intact, our focus CANNOT be on how much TIME has passed. Our focus must be on the TIME-KEEPER, the One who causes ALL things which He has promised to come to pass at HIS appointed time! It is not in His character to deceive us or mislead us or intentionally disappoint us with empty promises. This is not who HE IS!

As the scripture says, “Let God be found TRUE, though every man be found a LIAR” (Romans 3:4a). Your heart can deceive you when you measure “how long.” But GOD IS TRUE. Focus on who HE is as the TIME KEEPER of your life, thank Him for it, and be encouraged today!

Betty McKinney is a Bible Teacher and Missionary working with Rick Bonfim Ministries.