by Steve Nickodemus

God’s time is the perfect time.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“…We…groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”
Romans 3:23

I snapped this picture, at seminary chapel, as Josh was waiting his turn to receive his assignment as a vicar for the next two years. I envied how patiently Josh waited in line, anticipating the moment when he would be called forward, as I struggle with patiently waiting for anything.

Perhaps you struggle with waiting in your life, especially waiting on God’s timing to fulfill His promises. Saint Paul here expresses that, as those who groan inwardly, we are waiting for God’s final adoption to take us home to be with Him forever. This world can vex our souls as we experience the effects of evil, and sin, in our lives and the lives of those around us. I sometimes want God to hurry up and get on with His work. My soul sometimes cries out, “Come, Lord Jesus!” I often add in a whisper, “Come quickly!”

My mother often said to me, when I grew impatient, “All good things come to those who wait.”  I hated that proverb! I wanted good things to just hurry up, and come, never mind all that waiting!

However God’s work is His work, and His work must be done at the proper season and in the proper way. In the fullness of time He sent forth His Son to redeem this world, and in the fullness of time He will take me and all believers home to be with Him.

As I learned when on mission trips to other cultures, I can learn to wait. My timing is not God’s timing, for His timing is perfect and always fulfills the purpose for which He intended it.  Yes, come, Lord Jesus, and come when YOU know best. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado