Perfect Timing

Today I am beginning a new section in my Bible reading plan as Encounter With God has us in Acts. By the way, I love Encounter With God put out by Scripture Union (at scriptureunion.org). Their reading plan gives you a smaller portion of Scripture each day (10-20 verses) and takes you through the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice in five years. I use this reading plan in addition to any studies or other resources I use in my quiet time. Now, back to the reading today. I was SO into David in 2 Samuel I was not sure I wanted to move to Acts. But I am trusting the Lord to lead and guide me, and speak to me in His Word. In fact, I can always be confident because of Isaiah 55:10-11 that God has something to teach me, something to say to me. God promises that His Word that comes from His mouth “will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” Those are powerful words! I count on them today and always - what encouragement to open our Bibles day by day and moment by moment.

Now, back to Acts. Today I read through Acts 1:1-14. For me, verse 7 leaped off the page today. Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, He answered some of the disciples’ questions about when He would restore the kingdom to Israel. And don’t we ask the Lord those same kinds of questions? “When Lord? When is it going to happen?” Even David asked, “How long, O Lord?” (Psalm 13:1). Here’s how the Lord responded: “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority” (Acts 1:7). Oh what important words for me to hang on to today. Here’s what I learn. God is in charge of timing, not me. That relieves a lot of pressure and eases a lot of worry when things just don’t come together as fast as I’d like. And then, I learn that not only do I not need to know the timing, I am not to know the timing. Jesus says it, not me - “It is not for you to know times…” This changes my focus completely in terms of working on the ideas and goals and projects that the Lord gives me. I ask the Lord to guide me and help me prioritize. I give each assignment from Him my very best. I work towards goals. But ultimately, the Lord alone knows the when and the how of the results. Timing is in the hands of the Lord and His timing is perfect.

Lord, today I give you all the hopes and dreams that burn in my heart. Help me exercise wisdom in all you call me to do and keep my eyes fixed on you. I trust You with the timing of everything You have planned for me. And I thank You for the promise that You will accomplish what concerns me (Psalm 138:8). In Jesus’ name, Amen.