Timing Is Everything

Genesis 21:2

"For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him."

The phrase ‘the set time’ really caught my attention in this passage. Sarah waited 25 years for her promised baby. And during that time she tried to take matters into her own hands by having her maid servant bare Abraham's child.  And we all know how poorly that turned out.

I am afraid that I, at year 10, or earlier, would have convinced myself I did not really hear from God, or that He had changed His mind.  I am confident I would be like Sarah and try to force God's promise in my own time. (After all, I clearly know whats best!) But at almost 100 years old Sarah had a baby! God not forgotten His promise to her and her husband. 

God’s promises and plans do have a set time. He has a plan for your life and for the lives of those you are praying for. Letting go and letting God is a saying that has been around for a long time, and honestly I have thought it was a bit cheesy.  However, there is much truth in it.  It not easy to do, but the more you do it, the easier it becomes.  I can think of many things I wish I would have not "helped" God with during my life.  Hindsight is truly better than foresight. 

If you are facing times where you feel God has forgotten you, remember His timing is always perfect.  A dear friend of mine, Francis, has said to me many times, "God is never early, He's never late, He's always right on time." 

“Father help me to be aware of Your timing, not mine. For my family and friends that don’t know You, draw them to You in Your set time. Help me to walk closer with You and be a light to all in my life. Amen.

Lingering Loved Ones

Genesis 19:16 " And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city."

My children’s salvation is something I am passionate about. I love this verse because while they, even Lot, lingered, while they hesitated to leave Sodom, the angel laid hold on their hands and brought them from the city. 

In Strong's Concordance the phrase "laid hold" means to seize tight hold of.  In HELPS Word-studies it says to "take hold of exactly, with decisive initiative".

Stop and think with me on this.  None of this would have happened without Abraham interceding for his family. What a powerful encouragement for those of us praying for our unsaved loved ones.  If it seems the children or family member you are praying for are lingering in their own path, ask the Lord, that He, being merciful, would seize them, would take hold of them. That He would rescue them from where they think they want to be.  I am sure Lot's wife and family were looking around at the destruction that had started and they were still seeing what they wanted to see, unaware of the price that was about to be paid in those two cities.  They needed a firm hand to lead them away. They needed someone praying on their behalf.

I can't help but think maybe some heels were dug in the ground in the process.  BUT If Abraham hadn't interceded, if WE don't intercede , who will? 

Follow along on one more thought.  Consider that us praying for our children is to 'take hold of exactly, with decisive initiative', the spiritual realm in their lives.  I believe in praying specifically.  I ask the Lord to open the eyes of my children that they can see the emptiness of the path they are walking without Him. I ask so often that He will stir a deep, deep hunger in their spirit that can only be filled with Jesus.  I ask Him to give them wisdom, to help them see all the things to be thankful for, to see their need of Him in their lives.  Call out their names before the Father each and everyday, don't lose hope, persist in prayer and watch for the hand of the Lord in their lives.

"Father, draw our children to You. Stir up their spirit man and where they are lingering,  take hold of their hands and bring them forth from the ‘city’. Open their eyes to see the emptiness of life without You. Amen."