You May Be in a Hurry, but God Isn’t - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - December 26, 2020
You May Be in a Hurry, but God Isn’t
By Rick Warren
“God . . . does everything just right and on time, but people can never completely understand what he is doing.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NCV)
In many cultures today, fast is better. But that’s not the way God works.
The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:11, “God . . . does everything just right and on time, but people can never completely understand what he is doing” (NCV).
God has a plan for your life. He also has a timetable for that plan. Yet God never explains his timetable. He doesn’t have to—he’s God. And you can trust that he has your best interest at heart.
One of the most painful things in life is when you’re in a hurry and God’s not. That usually leads to impatience.
Impatience, basically, is a lack of trust. When you’re impatient, you’re saying, “God, I don’t really trust you and your timing. I don’t think you have my best interest at heart.”
You get worried and hurried. Then you start scurrying because you don’t trust God to act at the right time and in the right way.
As children grow up, part of maturing is learning the difference between “no” and “not yet.” A delay is not a denial.
As a follower of Jesus Christ, you have to learn the same thing with God. His delays are not denials. God knows the right time and the right way. He has a plan and a timetable. And his timing is perfect.
When Saddleback Church grew for 15 years without a building, God used this verse to encourage me for all those years: “This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed” (Habakkuk 2:3 NLT).
Has God given you a vision that hasn’t happened yet? You can trust that it’s coming—on God’s timetable.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Be Encouraged Each Day to Live Out God’s Purposes
As thanks for your gift below to help share the gospel with more people around the world through Daily Hope, we’ll send you Pastor Rick’s new book, Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise.
Each devotional starts out with a Bible verse, followed by teaching that explains God’s Word and shows you how to apply it daily so you can face any challenge and live the life you were created to live.
As a special bonus when you give, we’ll also send you What's Driving Your Life?: A 10-Day Turnaround for a Fresh Start. Featuring 10 hand-picked devotions from Pastor Rick’s new book, they’ll guide anyone feeling stressed, worried, or discouraged toward seeking God for a fresh start.
Request your copy below when you give—and take the first step towards a year of real purpose, lasting peace, and unfailing promises.
Thank you for your partnership!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
