Nothing before Its Time - The Crosswalk Devotional - August 1

Nothing before Its Time
By Clarence L. Haynes Jr.

“There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now.” - John 16:12 (NLT)

I want to share with you a truth that I have learned about myself. I often desire immediate answers, quick progress, and instant blessings (don’t look at me funny, you probably do the same thing). Yet, over the years, I have realized God operates in my life with order, process, timing, and progress. Today, I invite you to join me in exploring the beauty of God's perfect timing and his intentional process in your life.

God’s process with you is intentional.
As a believer in Jesus, there is one thing you must come to grips with. There are no accidents or coincidences in God's plan for your life. Every step you take and every experience you encounter are part of his intentional process. This means the good and the bad are part of the process.

God is meticulous in his work in your life, and he does not overlook any detail. This is also true of what he allows in your life. Just as Jesus withheld information from his disciples until they were ready, our father does the same thing. God lovingly prepares you for each step in your journey and gives you nothing before it's time. There may be times when he withholds certain answers, trials, promotions, or blessings until you are ready to handle them. I know we can get impatient when he withholds blessings until we are ready, but he also does the same with trials. This is a testament to His love and mercy, as he not only knows what is best for your growth and well-being, but he knows when it is best for you as well.

Your spiritual development mirrors your natural growth.
The process of spiritual development mirrors what happens in your natural development. When you were a baby, your mom gave you milk first (it would be strange if the first thing they fed you was a ribeye steak, especially when you had no teeth). Once you developed teeth, then you moved on to solid foods. When you started to read, you began by reading simple nursery rhymes before diving into complex literature.

God takes us on a similar journey of gradual understanding designed to help us grow and deepen our faith. He provides you with what you need at each stage of your spiritual development. Sometimes, he may delay certain breakthroughs or blessings because he knows you need more preparation. Though we may yearn for immediate results, God's perfect timing aligns with his desire for your ultimate growth.

You can find comfort in God's timing.
During times of difficulties and delays, you must remember that God's love and concern for you are ever-present. When he allows situations to unfold in your life, he knows you are ready for them, even when you feel inadequate or overwhelmed. In those moments, you can find comfort in knowing that God's timing is purposeful and that he walks with you through every high and low season of life.

You can put your complete trust in God's process.
Today, as you reflect on your own life, I encourage you to trust in God's timing and process. Embrace the journey of growth and development, knowing that He is always with you. Surrender your timeline to Him and find peace in the assurance that His love guides every step you take. Remember, the delays and challenges you encounter are not roadblocks but stepping stones. They lead you to a deeper understanding of His purpose for your life.

God's timing and process may not always align with your own desires and expectations. Yet, as you surrender to His loving guidance, you can find comfort and peace in knowing that He is leading you toward growth and greater blessings. Don’t hesitate to embrace the intentional process of spiritual development, recognizing that God does nothing before its time. You can trust completely his perfect timing, for there are no accidents or coincidences in his plan for your life. I pray that today, regardless of your situation, you will find joy and fulfillment as you walk hand in hand with your Savior. Especially knowing that his love accompanies you every step of the way.

Intersecting Faith and Life:

How does the concept of God operating in your life with order, process, timing, and progress resonate with you?
Do you believe there are no accidents or coincidences in your life as a believer in Jesus? Why or why not?
Consider the times when you have experienced delayed answers, withheld information, or the postponement of blessings. How did you react to those situations?

Further Reading
Is God Delaying Your Dreams?

Understanding God When He Doesn’t Make Sense

What Do You Do When God Seems Silent?

Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. He is the author of The Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. His most recent book is The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. This book will teach you how to put the pieces together so you can live a victorious Christian life and finally become the man or woman of God that you truly desire to be. Clarence is also committed to helping 10,000 people learn how to study the Bible and has just released his first Bible study course called Bible Study Basics. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com.