Allow for God’s Timing in Your Schedule

Scripture

Our verse for today comes from John 11:17, ” So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. “

Background

Winston Churchill famously commented on the uncertainty of Russia’s role entering World War II by saying, ” It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. ” Notably less famous and considerably less significant is the quote from Seinfeld where Jerry and Elaine are discussing their less-than-best friend, Newman. Elaine says, ” He’s an enigma, a mystery wrapped in a riddle, ” to which Jerry expresses his disdain for his portly neighbor by remarking, ” He’s a mystery wrapped in a Twinkie. ” My riddle wrapped in a mystery is certainly closer to the Seinfeld type than the world domination type. I do not like to be late. Whether going somewhere or doing something, I am generally focused on being on time. However, there are many times when the schedule is out of my control, or circumstances turn so that being punctual is not an option, and in those cases, I am generally quite calm and acquiescent. For some reason, there are those times when I can be completely understanding and accepting of tardiness, yet my nature wants to be prompt, if not somewhat early. It’s an enigma.

Application

I do not know what Jesus was like in this area. On one hand, I can see Him being one who was on time. But on the other hand, His ministry seemed to revolve around chance encounters and unanticipated interruptions. If He said He would be some place at a certain time, then I’m sure He was. But if He had intentions, and was then delayed by an eternal appointment, then all the better. His purpose was more important than His schedule. Such is the mindset that you and I should adopt, regarding ourselves and Christ. If we are running late, then late we will be. But if we think that God is slow to move, we’ve got some adjusting to do. Our perception of a situation is colored by the hands of time, but God is not under those constraints. He sees the beginning from the end, and He is both places at once. So turn your watch and calendar over to Him, and let Him make your appointments for you. You’re guaranteed to be right on time.

Charge

As we seek Him today, allow for a delay that may do more for you and to you than being on time all day long.