When You Want to Know God’s Plans Now

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There have always been individuals who claim they have read the signs and know God’s plans and timing, and others who would like to believe them.

Jesus knew His Father’s plans and timing but the disciples did not.

For the last several months they’d been traveling around Galilee.

John wrote…

After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting His death. 

John 7:1

But, it was time for another Jewish festival…

Soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters, and Jesus’ brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea, where Your followers can see Your miracles!  You can’t become famous if You hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show Yourself to the world!” For even His brothers didn’t believe in Him.

John 7:2–5

Many Jews believed that the mission of the Messiah would be to deliver them from oppressive Roman rule and Jesus’ doubting brothers may have felt that it was time for Jesus to prove Himself and get on with His appointed task.

I wonder how often you and I foolishly believe it’s up to Jesus to accomplish our expectations on our timetable.

Jesus always knows what to do and when to do it. He knew God’s plans and His timing; so, He responded with the following…

“Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime. The world can’t hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil. You go on. I’m not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come.” After saying these things, Jesus remained in Galilee.

John 1:6–9

I believe Jesus was saying … You don’t understand the plan, and this is not the time, but until it is, you do what you have been called to do.

That’s true for you and me as well. Although there will always be those who try to predict what Jesus will do and when He will do it, we must always be ready, waiting, and doing what He has called to do.

And these are things Scripture tells us God wants:

1. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:30)
2. Love your neighbors as you love yourselves. (Mark 12:31)
3.  Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. (1 Corinthians 16:13–14)
4. Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

When we don’t understand God’s plans and timing may we faithfully do what we have been called to do—LOVE!

Let’s pray…

A Prayer to Live God’s Will
as We Wait On God’s Plans and Timing

Father God, Your Word tells us that You have always known the end from the beginning. You knew we would sin and created us anyway. Your marvelous love is evident in everything You do. You Lord of all and I worship and adore You.

I am overwhelmed that You would sacrifice Yourself to save me … that You want me to KNOW, LOVE, and TRUST You. I need You more than anything. When I am anxious and restless because I want to know Your plans and timing, please calm my heart and help me rely on Your promises confident that You are perfect in all You do.

I believe You want me to continue doing what You’ve called me to do while I wait for You to fulfill Your plans at the appointed time. Please forgive me for impatiently giving in to doubt and fear.

By Your grace, please help me make my relationship with You the priority of my life. Fill my heart with Your love so that I might return that love to You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. And please help me love the people around me as You desire.

By the power of Your Spirit, give me faith, courage, and wisdom to do everything for Your glory shining the Light of Your love throughout this confused and hurting world.

I love You, Lord. I believe Your plans and timing are perfect. Please give me the patience and strength I need to wait on You with a heart full of faith, hope, and love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Here are some quotes that blessed me…

“God’s plan will continue on God’s schedule.” ~ A. W. Tozer

“Does it make sense to pray for guidance about the future if we are not obeying in the thing that lies before us today? How many momentous events in Scripture depended on one person’s seemingly small act of obedience! Rest assured: Do what God tells you to do now, and, depend upon it, you will be shown what to do next.” ~ Elisabeth Elliot

“God has a perfect plan for us. He never does it all at once, just step by step because He wants to teach us to walk by faith, not by sight.” ~ Anonymous

May you be blessed with everything you need to live with love and patiently trust God’s plans and timing.

And one more thing…

Make sure you come back next time because the truth is, God’s timing may be sooner than we think.

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