Tired of the Grind?

How Trusting God's Timing Can Change Everything

Hi, I’m Pastor Chris McKinney and I write this newsletter. If you’re interested in weekly faith-based encouragement, subscribe below.

Over the years, it seems like I’ve always had a second job.

I’ve been a freelancer, I’ve worked at coffee shops, I even had a job as a valet trash service(it was an odd time), I taught myself how to code and eventually build apps. Suffice it to say, I’ve been all over the map with side jobs so that my family has what it needs, and God has always taken care of us.

We went through this period where I was working so hard and running so fast, that my wife said, “why don’t you slow down?” My response was, “well, we need the money.” But when I thought and prayed more about it, I realized that perhaps I was putting the cart before the horse.

You see, as a grown adult, I can solve my own problems, but that doesn’t mean I’m operating in God’s timing.

God is ready to meet our needs, but sometimes we’re too stubborn to let Him.

Four months ago, I found a company that serves churches, and it all seemed too good to be true, but what I found was a place where I could use the knowledge of ministry, spiritual leadership, and technology skills i’ve grown over the years to futher the gospel in ways that I never thought would be possible. It’s almost the perfect synergy of what God has positioned me to do, and I still get to do ministry in the context of the local church.

If you're feeling the pressure of being a Christian, spouse, and spiritual leader while juggling jobs, family responsibilities, and your spiritual life, remember: you are not alone.

Trusting in God's perfect timing can bring an unshakeable peace, even in the midst of our busiest days.

Psalm 27:14 encourages us: "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"

This verse has been a cornerstone for me, reminding me that waiting on God's timing isn't a passive act but an active, courageous decision to trust in His plan.

The Nature of God's Timing

Understanding God's timing starts with understanding His nature. God is unchanging and trustworthy. We can rely on His promises, and His plans are perfect.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."

God's timing is not arbitrary but purposeful.

Isaiah 55:8-9 explains: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

This can be challenging to grasp, especially when our own plans seem so urgent and immediate.

Take, for instance, the story of Abraham and Sarah. They were promised a son, but they had to wait many years before Isaac was born. Hebrews 6:13-15 recounts this: "For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, 'Surely I will bless you and multiply you.' And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise." Abraham and Sarah's story illustrates that God's timing often doesn't align with ours, but His promises are always fulfilled.

The Challenges of Waiting

Waiting is hard. It's against our nature to be patient, especially when the stakes are high, and our responsibilities weigh heavily on us. Romans 8:25 acknowledges this: "But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." The tension between hope and patience is where many of us struggle.

Imagine you're applying for a promotion at work, one that could significantly improve your family's financial situation. You've prayed about it, you feel ready, but then the waiting begins. Days turn into weeks, and the answer seems elusive.

Psalm 37:7 offers comfort: "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!" This verse reminds us to be still and trust in God, even when others seem to be moving ahead.

The Benefits of Trusting God’s Timing

Trusting God's timing brings profound benefits, foremost among them being peace and patience. Philippians 4:6-7 reassures us: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

This peace isn't just a fleeting feeling but a deep, abiding assurance that God is in control.

Waiting on God strengthens our faith. James 1:3-4 explains, "For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Each moment of waiting is an opportunity for our faith to grow and deepen.

Trusting in God's timing also positively impacts our family life. When your children see you waiting patiently and trusting in God's plan, they learn to do the same. Proverbs 3:5-6 guides us: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." By modeling trust in God's timing, we teach our families valuable lessons about faith and resilience.

Practical Steps to Trust God’s Timing

So how do we practically trust in God's timing amidst the demands of life? Here are some steps that can help:

1. Recognize Your Humanity: Understand that feeling impatient is a natural human reaction.

Imagine you're waiting for a significant job promotion that you've been praying about for months. Each day feels like a year, and you start to wonder if God is listening. Your impatience grows, and you find yourself becoming frustrated and anxious. In these moments, it's essential to remember that feeling this way is entirely natural.

2 Corinthians 12:9 offers comfort: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." Accepting our weaknesses allows God's strength to work in us.

2. Set Boundaries: Creating boundaries can help manage stress. Psalm 16:8 reminds us: "I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken." By prioritizing time for God and family, we set a foundation for peace.

I have gone through seasons of my life where I was working too much, my prayer life was suffering, my marriage was suffering, and I could see the writing on the wall. Setting boundaries is hard, especially when it means saying no to things you like doing, but it’s neccessary. You’ll feel a sense of relief when those obligations are off your plate and you can focus on the things that matter.

3. Practice Patience: Develop patience through daily practices like prayer and meditation. Galatians 5:22-23 highlights the fruits of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." These fruits grow as we spend time in God's presence.

Playing worship music and focusing on God is not reserved for Sunday mornings. We must take time to worship at home by ourselves, and seek His presence. Its in these moments that the voice of God is at its highest volume.

4. Seek Wise Counsel: Proverbs 19:20 advises: "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future." Seek out mentors and community support to help navigate the waiting periods.

Choosing a spiritually mature mentor involves recognizing areas where guidance is needed, observing those with wisdom and humility, engaging in conversation, seeking recommendations, and praying for discernment to find the right person who can offer valuable insight and support during life's challenges.

It’s worth it. Trust me. When you find the right person, you’ll be in a much better place with someone to hold you accountable.

5. Choose Forgiveness: Forgive yourself for moments of doubt and impatience. Ephesians 4:32 encourages: "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Forgiveness frees us to move forward in faith.

Forgiveness sets you free. It’s not about the other person because you can’t control them. Forgiving frees you and restores your relationship with God as there is nothing hindering your communication with the Father.

I encourage you to take these practical steps and see how trusting in God's timing transforms your life. Trusting God’s timing is a journey, one that requires grace, wisdom, and resilience. As we navigate the complexities of life, we can find unshakeable peace by relying on His perfect plan. As you go about your day, remember that God's timing is perfect. Embrace the wait with courage, knowing that He is working all things for your good. Let's lean into His promises and find peace that surpasses all understanding.

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