DEVOTION//Wait patiently

“God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which he must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves.” 

A.W. Tozer (1897-1963) -- an American pastor, speaker, writer, and editor -- made that observation.  With good reason.

• Noah and his family spent a century preparing for the Flood.  (See Genesis 5:32  and Genesis 7:3.)

• Joseph, though innocent of any crime, spent years in an Egyptian prison before God promoted him to a position that would save his family and guarantee the Savior's line would continue. (See Genesis 39:20.)

• "The fullness of time" that heralded Jesus' birth came thousands of years after God's promise to Adam and Eve. But it came. (See Galatians 4:4,5.)

• The stunning climax of the universe's existence awaits.  And still, "the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Be still

All of which leaves God's children to "be still and know that [he] is God," as Psalm 46:10 instructs. The reason?  "[He] will be exalted among the nations." His exaltation -- and our exaltation along with his -- may not be apparent in any given moment.  But he will be exalted. His will will be done. His promises will be kept.

Grace must win

How can we be sure? "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ" (2 Corinthians 1:18-20).

What are you waiting for God to do for you? No matter how long you have been waiting, the forgiveness Jesus has won for you guarantees his Father — and now our Father — hasn't forgotten about you. He will act. At the right time. In the right way.

Which allows us to wait quietly. To relax. To rest in his grace.