When we don’t understand the timing…
“And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth …laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.” Luke 2: 6-7 NLT
For the life of me I don’t understand God’s timing sometimes. I can just imagine Joseph looking at Mary (come on wives, you know that look) and thinking, you’re kidding, right? Now?
In hind sight, we see how well planned this blessed event was. But, in the moment, it seemed to be the worst possible time to have a baby. Joseph was obviously a good man, (God entrusted the rearing of His son to him) so he must have been beside himself looking for a place for them to stay and for Mary to deliver. I know my man would have been. Have you ever noticed how guys look mad when they are fearful or anxious? I wonder if Mary was thinking, are you mad at me? What did I do?
When we read the whole story, we see the plan. They didn’t have the whole story and, when we are in the middle of uncertainty, we don’t see the end either. Had Mary and Joseph known the details of Jesus’ future, they might not have been able to bear it. Would you? There have been some very difficult times that, had I known they were going to happen prior to, I would have just crawled up in bed and pulled the covers over my head. My heart would have been so heavy, fearful, and filled with dread. You too? God has already been where we are going and He will walk with us as we arrive.
That’s why we must trust God when we don’t see. There have been times when I have been asked, “”Carmen, would you like to see the future?” And, there were times when I thought I did. Now I realize, I can’t handle the future. The Bible warns us to stop the craziness of trying to figure out tomorrow, “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Matthew 6:34 (MSG)
How do we prepare for the future? Little, by little, everyday we prepare. When we pray today, we are preparing for tomorrow. When we study the Bible today – preparing. When we seek Him everyday, we are preparing for that day when we get hit blindsided and the Holy Spirit rushes in and does what He does best, equips, comforts and directs.
Our future peace comes in remembering, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” Isaiah 55:8 (NLT)
Lord, remind us we don’t have to worry about our future. You have already been there before us and will walk with us as we arrive. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Linking up with other great writers at Kelly Balarie’s Cheerleading Linkup, and Suzie Eller’s #livefree Thursday
Wow! It’s hard sometimes, waiting for God’s perfect timing in our lives. But, I know from my experiences… I learned to trust Him and try NOT to understand. It has been better for me to seek His presence and find strength in the Word.
Our future peace comes in remembering, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” Isaiah 55:8 (NLT) <– Love this!!! Thanks for sharing this. It blesses me!
It is very hard to wait on God’s timing Tayrina. It can just get on your last nerve sometimes! But, He is always faithful in the waiting. Glad you visited!
Carmen, isn’t it reassuring as we look backward and see how God’s mighty and all-knowing hand was guiding and directing our lives? We are studying the Book of Exodus and see how our Sovereign God led each step. I praise God for those times in my own life.
Absolutely Libby! Hindsight often is the best way to see God at work. Studying Exodus! I love the Old Testament. Glad you stopped by!
Carmen, beautiful words and I look forward to Him “walking with me as I arrive”. Thanks for sharing on #livefree today! Have a great one, Kim
Kim, God’s a great traveling partner and navigator. I, like you, am glad He’s walking this road with me. Blessings friend!
I don’t want to know the future. I just want to live fully in today. I love this perspective!
Suzie you and your fella are traveling a path right now that is a bit murky but none the less traveled first by Christ. He’s walking with you and has already visited where you all are going. May your family find comfort in that. The future is too grand and scary at the same time. I am thankful He loves me enough to only share what I’m ready for. I’m with you, let’s enjoy this day! Blessings on you, your family and ministry friend!
I’m glad He’s wise, because I’d probably make a mess of things if I “knew” in advance, Carmen. So thankful we serve a big God who is faithful and can handle tomorrow. Your comments about prayer being prep for tomorrow, Bible reading too – loved those. Good insertion of practical steps for the journey. Enjoyed linking with you today via #livefreeThursday. #writeon #JesusGirl
Kristi my friend I always enjoy seeing your smiling face. You are dear to my heart. I know I would make a mess of things – I have already done that before!
Yes, Carmen, just this…”They didn’t have the whole story and, when we are in the middle of uncertainty, we don’t see the end either.” This is so easy to forget and so hard to live (for me, anyway).I needed this reminder today. And so many days…love your words and your heart always. xo
Meredith, it is hard to find peace when we can’t see the path! Peace and love to you today sister. God’s got both in abundance!
Oh, my sweet lady. You are inspiring. I understand this so perfectly. I have been waiting for over 45 years. I do not know what is ahead of me, but I will take my time and enjoy the walk with God and whoever he puts in my path. Don’t worry about me. I know God is walking with me.
Auntie I am so glad you were encouraged. I look forward to hearing about how God is working in your life. You deserve some really good, fun times! Love you.
This is awesome. I can totally imagine Joseph’s face, and Mary wondering if she was mad at her… way to make a timeless story relatable!
Brittany, I have seen that face. I have asked a few times, are you mad at me? It helps me to better appreciate their sacrifice when I realize they were just a young man and woman trying to do life the best they know how. Kinda like us. I’m so glad you visited. Merry Christmas!
Oh Carmen…this SO good and such a confirmation. As I am currently penning my second book, Isaiah 55:8 steers Chapter 1. God’s plan for our lives is so perfect. He does not have to run it by us to make sure it makes sense.
I am looking forward to reading more from you!
Hey Yolanda, you are an encourager girl. Second book! Wow! I am in awe. And, I’m glad God used me to confirm something in your life. God is so good. I look forward to getting to know you better. Merry Christmas!
What a precious reminder…Jesus has already been there in our future! Loved this post, Carmen. #raralinkup
Thank you Renee. I so needed this reminder from God. 2014 has been a challenging year. I’m glad I didn’t know all the details in 2013 but so glad God had already prepared the way for me. Come again soon. Merry Christmas!
Ah. Thank you for the reminder that I can’t handle the future! I’d try to change it or stress over it way too much or think there was something I could do and feel guilty about what hadn’t even happened yet. Resting in God’s perfect time really IS easiest!
Anita, you are talking to the queen of over thinking. And, Ms. Control. Don’t you know God has had His work cut out with me and trust. Resting in God is the best ahhhhhh. Come again please. Merry Christmas!
Carmen, I really liked the idea about how we are preparing for the hard times. That is a good point. We often read the bible or pray, but we don’t think about that as preparing.
Thank you. You got my wheels spinning. The thought about us not being able to handle the future is both scary and encouraging. God loves us – that much! I am cheering you and your wisdom on! Go Carmen! I loved learning from you.
Kelly, you are an amazing cheerleader. I have felt your love and encouragement! I look forward to our relationship blossoming deeper in the coming year. You have a contagious faith! Merry Christmas friend!
There is so much truth in this post, Carmen. And yes, if I knew what was going to happen beforehand during some seasons of my life, I would simply crawl into bed too. I’m so grateful God is always with me. Thanks for sharing, friend. Much needed reminder.
Girl, I didn’t need to know the future. Abby you and I would still be in bed covered up! Merry Christmas!
Amen! Our past, present, AND, future is secure and good in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for this beautifully written reminder. I think of how scared Mary and Joseph must have been often and am grateful for God’s grace and provision in their story- our story. Great post.
It really makes a difference for me Karen when I try to see them as ordinary people. I think that’s how God wants us to read the Bible. Don’t you? Merry Christmas!
Thank you for sharing this “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Matthew 6:34 (MSG). We are waiting on Him for some big things right now and this was a great reminder to focus on today and trust Him with tomorrow. Thank you.:)
Ohhhh Katie, I know God is a the God of big things! Hang on girl, as Beth Moore would say, “He’s never late. He just misses a lot of opportunities to be early”. I’m sure glad you stopped by. Merry Christmas!
Carmen – can you come around everyday for coffee and remind me of this message? This is exactly what I needed to read right now. Your words are so comforting. I love your line ‘When we pray today, we prepare for tomorrow’. I might have to tweet that! Then pin it to my Twitter so I can look at it everyday! I am thankful I do not know the future, but have been given the grace to get through every single second. Every line in this post is like a warm hug. Thank you for sharing at the Cheerleading linkup! Blessings, Ruth :)
Ruth, you just blessed my socks off! I’m sure glad you visited and more happy that God used me to encourage you. Glad to have a new friend. Merry Christmas!
What a great post, Carmen! I so needed to read this one today. Being in a season of waiting where things don’t seem to change and they seem rather hopeless, the Lord has definitely been calling me to trust Him with everything. It can be so challenging, though, as I always think I want to know everything. But like you say, I can’t handle the future. I mean, I can barely handle today! Thank you for sharing this!
Ronja I am so glad you visited today. I don’t care for seasons of waiting myself. It makes me want to growl, grrrrrr. But, every time I am made to wait, I am glad. Thank goodness God knows best because I would have myself in a heap of trouble. Come again soon!
Loved this post, my friend! I always love the scriptures and translations that you choose…it’s like they are all new to me! And oh, so true that we prepare for the future little by little each day. I’m trying not to get ahead of God, and enjoy the journey! Thanks for this post!
Ellen, thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I try to run ahead of God all the time. You will see me tripping along the way on all the obstacles that would have been moved had I waited and followed The Leader!
Carmen-this was beautiful! I loved your line about Joseph and his expression when he realized that Mary was going to have the baby right now! You are right also about God’s timing and sometimes we never understand the “why” behind something and other times when looking back it all becomes clear. Thank you for this thoughtful post today and for joining us at The Weekend Brew.
Mary, I’m so glad you stopped by. I always enjoy joining the community at The Weekend Brew. When I was reading the story I started thinking about how many men would have handled the situation. I sometimes forget that the Bible is made up of ordinary people being used in extraordinary ways.
Beautiful post, Carmen…..I’m definitely learning to trust Him when I don’t see….it has brought enormous comfort to my life and, once you trust, you begin to see the ways in which he works, which are marvellous and awe-inspiring. Thank you for your post (I’ll be seeking you out at FMF from now on!)
Hello Helen! Thank you so much for your kind words and your words of wisdom. I agree that as we walk with God and He shows us over and over His trustworthiness, releasing our lives to Him becomes easier. I look forward to meeting you at Five Minute Friday again soon. Merry Christmas!
Yes, the ‘right nows’ are enough and just perfect. I want to be able to walk with Him in the moments, each moment. I do not always do that as I want to know what tomorrow will bring, but as I learn to trust the One Who brings those moments in the tomorrows, I can walk with more ease in today.
Thank you for your fine words and thoughts.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Linda I too want to learn to walk in today better. I do like a plan though so, it is always a struggle for me. Thanks for visiting me today. Merry Christmas!
I love this, Carmen! I love thinking about what was possibly going on in the real lives of these ‘characters’ that we think we know so well! As I was reading your words, I could ‘see’ it all unfold and I had never really pondered Mary’s emotions and fears in regards to Joseph at that time – but I am sure you are right… she loved him greatly and I am sure she was concerned about whether or not he was mad or battling emotions she was not wanting to deal with (again)… and oh how good men want to take care of their wives and children and how that must have been so hard on him to not be able to find a bed… oh the enemy surely was whispering lies of how he was a failure… lots to ponder here, my friend! So glad I stopped by!
Hello my friend Karrilee, You are right, so much going on that night. I want to talk with Mary when I get to heaven. I want to hear how it all happened. How she felt and how her and Joseph worked all of the issues out that surrounded her pregnancy. I’m glad you stopped by too! Merry Christmas!
Beautiful beautiful words.. and ones that I understand so very well. Thank you for sharing them. They blessed my heart.
Thank you so much Kimberly. I am so glad you stopped by for a visit.