How can we trust God's timing as seen in 2 Kings 13:25? Setting the scene • Israel was under Aramean oppression for years (2 Kings 13:3, 7). • Elisha, on his deathbed, prophesied that King Jehoash would strike Aram three times and regain lost cities (2 Kings 13:17-19). • 2 Kings 13:25 records the exact fulfillment: “Three times Jehoash defeated him, and so he recovered the cities of Israel.” God’s timing displayed • The promise and the performance were separated by an interval. Israel waited, yet God’s word stood firm. • The number of victories—three—matched Elisha’s prophetic sign precisely, underscoring God’s meticulous control over events. • While political factors changed and armies shifted, the decisive element was the sovereign schedule set by the Lord (Isaiah 46:9-10). Why we can trust His timing 1. God’s promises are literal and unbreakable – “The grass withers, the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8) 2. He reveals enough to anchor faith, not to satisfy curiosity – Elisha didn’t specify dates, only outcomes. Likewise, we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). 3. Delay never means denial – “Though it lingers, wait for it; it will surely come and will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:3) 4. His timing protects and prepares – Israel’s strength had to rebuild; God often works in hidden seasons (Psalm 105:19). 5. The fulfillment verifies His character – Every completed promise becomes fresh evidence that future promises will also occur (Romans 4:21). Principles for trusting God’s timing today • Recall past fulfillments—both biblical and personal. • Measure circumstances by Scripture, not Scripture by circumstances. • Practice patient obedience; keep striking “arrows” of faith even when outcomes look slow. • Rest in His calendar: “In the fullness of time, God sent His Son.” (Galatians 4:4) If He orchestrated redemption’s timeline, He can handle ours. • Guard against haste; rushing risks forfeit of blessing (Proverbs 19:2). Living it out • Identify an area where you’re waiting. Compare it to Jehoash’s interval. • Speak God’s promises aloud—faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). • Keep doing the last clear instruction He gave, trusting that His schedule is perfect (Ecclesiastes 3:11). |
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