Perfect Timing

Last week my mentor asked me to read "The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer, in addition to my regular homework. And am I glad she did! This may be the most important book I have ever read, other than the Bible.

I emailed her after reading the first six chapters (half of this little, but powerful, book) and shared, "I sobbed, journaled and am just catching a glimpse of what a real relationship with God is like."

Although Tozer wrote this book in the late 1940's, his writing is exceedingly relevant. One of the many pertinent topics that touched my heart was about God's eternalness.

God exists outside of time. He has always existed and will exist forever (Psalm 90:2, Revelation 1:8). He has no time limits (John 8:57-58).

Usually, after being reminded of this truth, I would shrug and say, "Yes, so?" But, not this time. After reading "The Pursuit of God," I have a better understanding and appreciation that God is eternal.

For instance, one of my "issues" is being freaked out about time; it seems to be constantly tapping me on the shoulder. I'll be 40 this year so my youth is almost officially gone (although I contend that you are only as old as you feel. Some days I feel 18 and some days I feel older than my 91-year-old grandmother.) I have no idea what I'll be doing in six months or even what the work of my hands is supposed to ultimately be. I'm not a mom yet. My inability to meet the world's timetable sometimes makes me feel ashamed and wonder if God cares.

As Tozer wrote, God "is eternal, which means that He antedates time and is wholly independent of it. Time began in Him and will end in Him. To it He pays no tribute and from it He suffers no change."

Yes - God is eternal. This is the hope and answer to all the worries I've stated above.

God isn't bound by some arbitrary time frame. As I seek Him, He will let me know what the work of my hands will be -- in His own time. As I trust Him, share with Him and listen for His guidance, direction and wisdom, I find that everything happens in His perfect timing.

In fact, God's eternalness also affects my daily task list. It is a lie to believe that I do not have time to accomplish what God has given me to do. God will help me get everything done He wants me to get done. Sometimes, that will be less than I think. And sometimes I sit in amazement over how quickly I am able to accomplish a task that should have taken much longer.

This isn't the "everything happens for a reason" mindset. This is following hard after God. Thinking about Him, asking Him what He wants, seeking Him moment by moment. And, as we do, we find that His timing is perfect.

God,
I thank You for being Eternal and praise You for being outside of time. Because of who You are and what You have done for me, I can rest in knowing that Your timing isn't just good, it is perfect.
Please speak to each of us this week about Your timing - for our lives and for our day.
In Jesus' precious name,
Amen