At the Right Time

When the time came to completion… --Galatians 4.4a (CSB)

For two years we prayed that God would send us a Minister of Music and Senior Adults. Countless prayers, resumes, and interviews. Countless prayers and words of encouragement for a committee that was growing increasingly discouraged. However, at just the right time, God led us to our man.
 
Whether as a church or individually, we all have similar stories. We were seeking to follow Jesus in the everyday stuff of life. We were patiently waiting for God to answer prayers and to clarify reality for us. Yet, the answers seemed to never come. 
 
Throughout the New Testament, we’re reminded that the arrival of our Savior came “at the right time” (Rms. 5.6; cf. Gal. 4.4). Jesus did not arrive too early or too late; he arrived just on time. We’re told that God is not delay concerning his promises (2. Pt. 3.9) and that he provides all we need at the exact moment we need it (Phil. 4.19; cf. Gen. 22.12-14).
 
I can imagine the faithful praying earnestly to God to send the Messiah. Yet, they never stopped. God heard their prayers and was faithfully working to arrange everything in such a way that his ministry would have the greatest impact: “When the time came to completion, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, (5) to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Gal. 4.4-5).
 
There is no greater act that God could perform than to secure our salvation! Creation is great. The establishment of his eternal kingdom is even greater. But the greatest thing he has done? Well, it’s to redeem us from our empty way of life (1 Pt. 1.18-19).
 
Friend, whatever it is you’re praying through, whatever it is that you’re prayerfully hoping God will allow you to do, know this: God will answer at just the right time. We can trust God with our eternity. Therefore, we can trust him with our today and tomorrow. 
 
At just the right time, he’ll answer.

For Reflection
What prayers as God previously answered in your life? How long did you spend praying?
 
What are you currently praying through as you wait for God’s answer?
 
Pray
Pray and ask God to help you trust him and his timing. Pray that he would empower you to patiently wait on him and continually trust in him.
 
Father God, I thank you that you have always answered prayers in the right time and in the right way—both in your Scriptures and in my own life. Teach me patience as I wait on you to answer my prayers. If I’m not asking the right thing, please show me what to pray instead and to wait on your in the meantime. In Jesus’ name, Amen