Not long ago our neighbor was expecting twins. Due to complications, she had to undergo bedrest for several months prior to their birth. Even with precautions, the babies were born eight weeks early. Another six to eight weeks went by before the children could go home.
When God’s timing seems premature, we like to question God, but God’s word tells us His timing is perfect. Psalm 139:16You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. [1] God’s timing is always perfect as He works out His plan for our lives. He has more for us even when don’t understand His timing.
Joseph’s Dreams Seem Premature
Joseph’s dreams at age seventeen seem premature, but we need to remember God has a perfect plan for our life that includes the timing of the dreams He gives us. Genesis 27:5 One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever. 6 “Listen to this dream,” he said. 7 “We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!”
God’s timing is not only good, but it is perfect. The Lord is all knowing and knows what happened in the past, the present and what will take place in the future. He knows how all the dots connect from one person to another. The Lord sees every part of our lives especially His plan for our life. In His great wisdom He understands what is best for us including the timing of the dreams He gives us. He is the divine scheduler. We may think that the Joseph’s dreams would been better if he had been more mature, but we don’t have God’s perspective.
God’s Timing Sets in Motion His plan Not Ours
As a sinful person, I desire to do things on my timetable, and I believe most people are like that. The good news is God knows best for us including His timing whether we think it is early or late. Joseph received his dream at the right time in his life to accomplish God’s plan.
God did not make his brothers hate him because of his dreams, but he would use those reactions to accomplish His will. Joseph’s brothers would be so enraged about his dreams that they would sell him to traders going down to Egypt. Many years later Joseph would rise from being a slave to the second in command in Egypt.
When his brothers were forced to buy grain in Egypt due to a drought, they met Joseph and were fearful of him. As a man who forgave, Joseph recognized God’s timing. Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.[2]
Don’t be afraid to trust in God’s timing. Pray for peace as you work through the timing the Lord has given you. Remember He is working in your life and all His promises will be fulfilled at the right time.
To learn more when God’s timing seems premature, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-has-more-dreams-for-joseph
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.