In what ways can we trust God's timing during personal hardships? A Snapshot of God’s Timing: Exodus 9:31 “Now the flax and the barley were destroyed, since the barley was ripe and the flax was in bloom.” What the Hailstorm Teaches About Hardship - Egypt’s seventh plague hit at a painfully specific moment—just as barley and flax were ready for harvest. - God’s precision allowed wheat and spelt to survive for later (v. 32). - He controlled the scope, duration, and results of the hardship; nothing was random. Reasons to Trust His Timing When Life Hails Down • He Knows Every Detail – Just as He timed the hail to the growth stages of each crop, He tracks every moving part of our circumstances (Matthew 10:29-31). • He Sets Boundaries on Suffering – Wheat and spelt were spared; the hardship had limits (1 Corinthians 10:13). • He Preserves What We Will Need Later – The surviving grain would sustain life afterward; today’s delay can protect tomorrow’s provision (Psalm 31:19). • He Positions Hearts for Deliverance – The plagues softened Pharaoh’s grip and strengthened Israel’s faith; adversity often prepares the way for freedom (James 1:2-4). • He Demonstrates His Glory in the Timing – The exact moment magnified His power over Egyptian gods of agriculture; our trials can display His sovereignty (John 9:3). • He Works All Things for Good – Even destructive hail fits into a redemptive plan (Romans 8:28). Living Out Trust Right Now - Recall past instances where God’s timing protected you—write them down. - Memorize a promise about divine timing (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Galatians 4:4). - Thank Him daily for limits you can see and those you can’t. - Share with a trusted believer how God might be preserving “wheat and spelt” in your current season. - Watch for small evidences of His provision; celebrate them immediately. Supporting Verses That Echo the Lesson • Psalm 31:15 — “My times are in Your hands.” • Isaiah 55:8-9 — “‘My thoughts are not your thoughts…’ declares the LORD.” • Habakkuk 2:3 — “The vision awaits an appointed time… though it lingers, wait for it.” • John 11:6-7 — Jesus delayed yet arrived right on time for Lazarus’s resurrection. God’s timing may feel baffling during hardship, but Exodus 9:31 shows it is always measured, purposeful, and ultimately good. |
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