The Dangers of Rushing: Trusting God's Timing Over Our Own

 

Recently, I was having a conversation with my sister, and she asked me about why people often rush to achieve everything all at once, not fully trusting in the timing of life. She mentioned a guy who, feeling desperate for cash, couldn't wait any longer for the right opportunity. He decided to seek out someone who he believed could give him the wealth he desired, he got the wealth but died in a very short time. This situation got me thinking about how, at times, we are tempted to take shortcuts, believing that quick solutions will bring us happiness.

It's fascinating how, when we seek things outside of God's will, we fail to realize that anything the enemy offers is only a counterfeit of the original blessings God has in store for us. What the enemy gives is temporary, meant to satisfy only for a moment, while God's provision is eternal and abundant.

During this conversation, I was reminded of a classmate from some years ago. She was the first in our group to complete her degree, land a job at a radio station, get married, and have a child—all before the age of 27. Tragically, after a few months, she passed away. As I reflect on her life, I can't help but feel that she lived in a hurry, packing so many significant milestones into such a brief period. It was as though her life was compressed into a short line, rushing from one achievement to the next, without the opportunity for much rest or reflection.

This brings me to a broader point: There are times when we compare ourselves to others, thinking we need to reach certain milestones by a specific age or stage in life. But as the Bible clearly states, such comparisons are unwise.

2 Corinthians 10:12 (KJV) reminds us:
"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

We are often tempted to look at others’ achievements and feel that we must measure up or follow a similar timeline. But when we measure our lives by someone else’s, we miss out on the unique journey that God has planned for us As the Regulator his timing is perfect, he directs our life to the place and how he wants when we surrender and His plans for us are filled with purpose, even if they don't always align with the timeline we envision.

Rather than rushing through life, let us learn to trust in God's timing and recognize that the things He has in store for us are far better than any quick fix the world can offer, you might not be there yet or get everything you want yet but He sees, he hears and is walking in the shadows to set things right in his time.

Stay revived!

The Ultimate Regulator

As the school regulator, I used to feel a sense of satisfaction whenever I rang the bell and watched as teachers changed classes and students prepared to welcome the next instructor. It gave me a sense of control, as I believed I was managing the flow of activities between teachers and students.

 At times, when a teacher who wasn’t particularly liked by my classmates walked into the classroom, I’d hear whispers like, “Isn’t it time yet? Please ring the bell and let this man go.” It’s funny to think back on, but it also makes me reflect on life in a deeper way.

Our entire existence is regulated by God. He is our life’s ultimate Regulator. A regulator is someone who controls, manages, or oversees a process, system, or event. As the Regulator, God sets the direction, timing, and purpose for everything that happens. He directs the course of events, guiding us in ways we may not always understand, but ultimately leading us toward His greater plan.

The important thing to recognize about God as our Regulator is that He requires our surrender for things to move steadily but not always smoothly. As the Regulator, He might decide to withhold certain things from us, even things we may desperately need at the time. But because it is not the right moment according to His plan, no matter how hard we try, we cannot force it to happen. It’s not that God doesn’t care—it’s just that based on his calendar its not yet time. He knows the right time for everything. What we are asking for may not align with His perfect timing.

When we try to align ourselves with God's plans, seeking to understand His timing, He gives us the ability to discern through the Holy Spirit what He is preparing for us. This allows us to sense the right moments for specific parts of His agenda in our lives.

Its the first Saturday of February and I'm sure we are hopeful about what the Lord has in store for us but never forget that the regulator sets things right in times and seasons.

Stay revived!

Trusting the Process.

As I reflect on the events of the past few days, I find myself contemplating God’s thoughts toward humanity. His Word reminds us, "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9). It is humbling to consider that God's plans for us exceed anything we could ever imagine.

Just last week, I meticulously planned my schedule, leaving no room for extracurricular. However, when I arrived at work, I was unexpectedly informed that I would be attending a forum. Initially caught off guard, I went ahead and participated, trusting that there was a purpose behind this sudden change of plans.

This experience made me reflect on how often we, as individuals, feel disappointed when life doesn’t go according to our plans. Many times, we rely on our education, organization, and careful planning, believing that these factors should ensure everything unfolds exactly as we expect. However, what we often fail to realize is that when the Lord begins to work in our hearts, He often moves beyond our routines and expectations to fulfill His divine agenda.

There's a saying that "the Lord works in mysterious ways." But what this really means is that God works in ways we do not anticipate. His timing is not our timing, and His methods are not our methods.

God doesn’t operate according to the schedules and plans we set for ourselves. Instead, He calls us to a place of total surrender, where we trust the process, follow His guidance, and rest assured that He will not lead us astray.

As Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV) tells us:
"But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

When we trust in the Lord, we are anchored—like that tree by the water. Even in uncertain times, we can remain confident that He will sustain us.

As we strive to keep our focus on the Lord, let us learn to trust Him in the journey called life. Believe that when we follow His direction, He will take us exactly where we need to be—into the fullness of the plans He has prepared for us.

Stay revived!

Whatever He Says To You, Do It.

I found myself singing Lauren Daigle's song "Look Up Child" this evening. Despite struggling to recall some of the lyrics, when I reached the solo, "Where are you now when all I feel is down?" and sang the chorus, "Ah, ah, I hear you say, look up child," it became deeply personal and emotional as if God was speaking directly to me.

When I sang those lyrics boldly, they resonated with my current situation. I've been asking the Lord, "Where are you now?" and seeking a word from Him to confirm that He hears me. It's as if I'm checking to see if our "connection" is still intact.

This experience felt connected to the words I had read earlier that morning while studying the book of John: "Whatever He says to you, do it?" (John 2:2-5). 

2 AMP:Jesus also was invited with His disciples to the wedding.

3 AMP:And when the wine was all gone, the mother of Jesus said to Him, They have no more wine!

4 AMP:Jesus said to her, [Dear] woman, what is that to you and Me? [What do we have in common? Leave it to Me.] My time (hour to act) has not yet come.

5 AMP:His mother said to the servants, Whatever He says to you, do it.

Jesus was at a wedding, and when the wine ran out, His mother, Mary, told the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."

Mary spoke with confidence in Jesus' ability and assignment. Although she may not have seen a physical manifestation of His power yet, she trusted that Jesus could meet their needs exactly where they were. Her instruction to the servants was a declaration of faith, saying, "I don't know what needs refilling, but Jesus can satisfy you."

If I were one of the servants, I might have questioned or tasted the water before serving it. However, there are moments when we don't need to see the bigger picture or understand how everything fits together. We simply need to obey and do the last thing He asked us to do.

What about when we wonder how something can be possible? As long as we offer Jesus what we have; it could be just our life or maybe the moments – even if it seems insignificant – He can transform it into something extraordinary. As you go about your day today, Look up to Jesus and present Him with the "water" you have in your hands. There is a wine to go around. 

Stay Revived!