How should we respond when God's timing differs from our expectations? Setting the Scene “Then Balak said to Balaam, ‘Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why did you not come to me? Am I really unable to reward you?’ ” (Numbers 22:37) Balak is frustrated. He wants immediate results, but Balaam has already discovered that the Lord’s word—not Balak’s deadline—sets the schedule. From this tension we learn how to respond when God’s timing collides with ours. What Happens When Our Clocks Clash with God’s • Balak feels slighted, yet God had forbidden Balaam to move sooner (Numbers 22:12, 20). • Human urgency (“urgent summons”) cannot override divine command. • The story reminds us that delay is often protection: Balaam’s donkey episode (22:22-35) kept him from rushing into disaster. Key Principles for Waiting Well 1. Recognize Who Sets the Agenda • Psalm 31:15 — “My times are in Your hands.” • Proverbs 16:9 — “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” Our calendars submit to His sovereignty. 2. Choose Trust over Anxiety • Philippians 4:6-7 — “Be anxious for nothing… the peace of God… will guard your hearts.” God’s timetable carries peace that fretting cannot supply. 3. Obey the Last Clear Instruction • Balaam waited until the LORD said, “Go with them” (Numbers 22:20). • John 2:5 — “Do whatever He tells you.” Obedience during delay keeps us aligned. 4. Remember Delay Is Not Denial • Habakkuk 2:3 — “For the vision awaits an appointed time… though it lingers, wait for it.” • 2 Peter 3:9 — “The Lord is not slow… but patient.” What feels slow may be mercy. Practical Ways to Respond • Re-read God’s promises daily; let Scripture recalibrate expectations. • Thank Him aloud for past faithfulness—build a track record of trust. • Serve in the present assignment; faithfulness today prepares us for tomorrow. • Seek godly counsel; Balaam’s error later came from ignoring God’s warnings (Numbers 31:16). Encouraging Scriptures for the Waiting Heart • Psalm 27:14 — “Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous.” • Isaiah 40:31 — “Those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength.” • Lamentations 3:25 — “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him.” Wrapping It Up Balak’s impatience exposes the gap between human urgency and divine timing. Following Balaam’s better moments—listening, waiting, obeying—guides us today. When God’s schedule stretches ours, we respond with trust, obedience, and confident expectation, assured that His timing is always perfect. |
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