Most of us started out in life with high hopes and incredible dreams. The world was ours, and we fully intended to conquer it. And, for a large part of our lives, we pursue one, or more of those dreams, while holding on to hope. At times it is difficult, as we live in a world that is controlled by calls, clocks and calendars. We live with schedules so tight that any minor disruption creates disappointments and reappointments for the rest of the day.
One day we wake up and realize that life is sweeping by at an incredible rate. We take a quick assessment and realize that some of those things we had dreamed of have not materialized. We hit a wall, and the wall comes crashing in.
I thought by now, this would be over.
I thought by now, I’d be married.
I thought by now, I’d have a family.
I thought by now, I’d be living somewhere else.
I thought by now, I’d be rich.
I thought by now, __________. (Fill in the blank.)
Personally, one of the most difficult challenges I’ve ever faced is releasing my calendar to God. Because I’m human, my prayers, pleas, and petitions are made from my earthly view, and based primarily on my clock, and my calendar. As I pray, I remind God of my clock and my calendar, and the urgency for Him to respond quickly — as soon as possible.
“I thought by now, God, You would have already answered me.”
And, He gently reminds me, His timetable is not the same, as mine. He’s looking at the big picture, while I can only see a small part. He operates on a completely different level. Sometimes I forget.
If you are at a stage in your life, and you have this sinking feeling that life is passing you by, and you thought by now things would be different, let me assure you, you are not alone. There’s a crowd in that same boat.
Hang on. God has not, and will not forget you. For the Believer, a waiting season with God, is never a wasted season. But, it can be a wearisome season. Hampered hopes and delayed dreams can lead to distress, distractions, and depression.
Maybe your heart is feeling sick and overwhelmed because of an apparent delay in God’s answer. Or, maybe you received an answer, but it wasn’t the answer you prayed for. You may think, your time has passed, and it’s too late. Let me remind you, that it’s never too late with God. When we have exhausted all our means, God’s means are inexhaustible.
God is seldom early, but He is never late.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:3
Waiting for a vision, or waiting for anything, for that matter, is never pleasing. And, yet, God is faithful to His promises.
We often hear the words from Proverbs 13:12 quoted, “Hope deferred makes a heart sick.”
Seldom do we hear the remaining part of the verse quoted, “But, a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
Rather than focus on the first part of the verse, choose to focus on the second part — a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
Perhaps, you thought by now, things would have turned around and your life would be completely different. You may think your window of opportunity has passed and you’ve blown it. If you think you’ve blown God’s plan for your life, rest in this — you, my friend are not that powerful.
If you thought by now, __________ (fill in the blank), think again.
God’s not finished, so you’re not finished.
Keep believing.
I’m . . .
Still Believing!
Ray, this certainly spoke to me. Thank you.
Beth
Ray, thanks so much for posting (imagine Paul Harvey’s voice) “the rest… of the verse.” It completely changes the complexion of Proverbs 13:12, doesn’t it? You’ve written another great article…very thought-provoking. And I’ll have to keep in mind that I’m just “not that powerful” to be able to mess up God’s plans. (I’ve pondered those what-ifs all too often)….good to be reminded that He’s ever at the helm of our lives when we’ve surrendered to Him. ⚔🏹🎯⛵️⚓️✝️
Such a good word, Ray. Thank you for the reminder. I walked through a very difficult season with a young couple who were waiting on a call concerning the adoption of a baby boy. The plan was all in order, they got the call, rushed to the hospital, the birth mother even handed the newborn into their arms and let them name him. Welcome to our world, Malachi! Then, just as they were packing to take him home, the momma changed her mind. She just couldn’t let him go. You can imagine the heartbreak this young couple experienced. The tears and the “why God” wrecked all of us. We all “thought by now” their house would be filled with joy and laughter but instead there were broken hearts and broken dreams. The next day as I grieved and asked God for words to encourage and comfort them, I opened a favorite book, God Calling. The title for that very day’s devotional truly stunned me ….…..“Delay is Not Denial.” It’s not? It sure feels like it! I read on. “Delay is not denial….not even withholding. It is the opportunity for God to work out your problem and accomplish your desires in the most wonderful way possible for you. Oh! Children, trust Me. Remember that your Maker is also your Servant, quick to fulfill, quick to achieve, faithful in accomplishment. Yes. All is well.” Lord, you mean this plan was not the “most wonderful way possible? You have something better? Yes, trust Me and tell them this.” They were gracious and half-heartedly thanked me but the pain of disappointment kept them from embracing this truth. Their faith had taken a powerful punch to the stomach! But God! In just two months they received another call from the agency and were asked if they would try again. With much fear and anxiety they traveled to the hospital again. We all waited and prayed and in a few days they returned home with a beautiful baby boy in their arms. They named him Elijah. With joy we recently celebrated his 6th birthday. Why must we sometimes have to wait for the answer to our prayers and for the fulfillment of our dreams? Because Father knows best and we can trust Him. It is His love working it all together for our greatest good. Delay is never denial with our God. 💙
Hello Ray,
Wow Bill and I can relate to almost all things said above. It’s easy to focus on the “makes the heart sick part.” But things can always be so much worse. (My mother’s words). And the second part of that verse that you emphasized, gets lost in the emphasis of the opening line ‘makes the heart sick’, yet, as you said it truly should be the 2nd part that’s emphasized. “A longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Thank you for that reminder. It’s interesting but I think of Vicki all the time. Bill is still working in Claremore and recently because of some health issues he’s experienced, I have been driving in with him to help him. I have driven to Owasso multiple times after dropping him off at work. It has boomed, I had no idea the changes there. I remember how kind and gracious Vicki was to me, and eating pie with Melody and her in Claremore, I think at the Hammond House. I have been thinking of her this week, because we were considering moving into Tulsa. Sure wish I had been closer in touch with her. Such a jewel. We hope you Melody and Matt and his family are well. I have not taken the time before to read your posts. They are very encouraging and have depth. I just had stopped my interest in Facebook until this “covid thing” settled, and I have very elderly relatives that needed checking in on. I will share this post of yours with Bill tomorrow.
God bless you and yours,
Rhea and Bill Buchanan
This is a powerfully encouraging word. Thank you! I’m still in a long season of waiting to be healed (enough) from tick born illness to work again as a biblical counselor for women. And possibly to speak and/or lead ladies retreats as before. Still praying and seeking the Lord to have enough energy to do whatever it is the Lord desires – His plans and purpose. I continue to remain hopeful and always desire to remain steadfast in devotion to Christ. And you are correct, it isn’t wasted time. There are several journals full of what He’s teaching that I desire to learn at deeper levels to share more passionately. Thanks and blessings!