“Hurry up.” “Let’s go.” “We can’t be late.” These are all phrases we use frequently. We live in a society that wants everything now. Instant gratification, instant weight loss, instant wealth. We rush here and there to be sure we are going to be on time or get what we want or need on time. We are impatient people.

The phrase “on time” is defined as “arriving at the correct time and not late; early enough” (Cambridge English Dictionary).

“Something that arrives, happens, or is done when it should and is not late” (Cambridge English Dictionary).

“At the appointed time: punctual” (Collins Dictionary).

Unfortunately, we are no less impatient when it comes to the things of God. We want God to answer our prayers right now. We want the promises He gave us to be fulfilled immediately, but God’s clock and calendar are different than ours. Psalm 90:4 says, “For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.” II Peter 3:8 says, “…with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

Galatians 4:4 states, “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son…” Not a day early or a day late, but when God’s clock said it was time, it was time.

So the question is, when is it on time? At what point are we on time? At what point is God on time? We sing the song. “He’s an on-time God. He may not come when we want Him, but He will be there right on time.”

How do we learn to trust and believe that when our promises come to pass, they will be on time? When our prayers are answered, they will be on time. Hold on to the promises that God will be on time. On-time may not be tomorrow. On-time may not be next year, but on time will be “arriving at the correct time and not late; early enough.” I am blessed that my children serve the Lord, but there are many whose children have gone away from the Lord…but for a season.

The Bible states in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

Hold onto the promise of church growth, healing, and salvation of friends and family. Continue to trust in God, for He is ALWAYS on time.

God’s timing is not the same as our timing. But God is an on-time God in everything. He will arrive at the correct time. Not late, but perfectly on time.

 

 

Note: This devotional was originally published in the Ladies Prayer International newsletter. Sign-up for the newsletter today.

Author

Reta Alphin is married to Gene Alphin who serves as the senior pastor of The Life Church of Lincoln. They have two children, Chase and Brooklynn, who serve alongside their parents in The Life Church's ministries. Reta holds a doctorate in public administration and, in addition to being a pastor's wife, works as the firm administrator of a law firm in Lincoln, Nebraska.

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