I recently read in the One Year Bible reading plan the story of Saul and the Israelites fighting the Philistines found in 1 Samuel 13:1-15. The Israelites were hard-pressed during this battle and hid from the enemy. The prophet Samuel told Saul and his troops to wait seven days for him to come. Saul grew impatient during the waiting. He assumed Samuel's role and made sacrifices. As soon as Saul finished making sacrifices, Samuel arrived and rebuked Saul for what he had done. The Lord told Saul his kingdom would not endure as a repercussion for not trusting in God's timing.
In the New Testament reading that day, Jesus' brothers pleaded with Him to perform public miracles at the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles in Judea. Unlike Saul, Jesus recognized that timing is key. He replied back to them "My time is not yet here; for you any time will do" (John 7:6). I imagine it must have been difficult to stay back and wait instead of going with his family as He had done in previous years. Jesus arrived at the festival later that week in His timing, and the result had an eternal impact.
Waiting on the Lord may be difficult at times. You may be hard-pressed by the enemy like Saul or feeling pressure from family like Jesus, but be encouraged knowing God's timing is perfect! When we take matters into our own hands, we are guaranteed failure. Commit to His timing. Wait on the Lord and watch as He makes an eternal impact through your patience!
God Bless,
