Waiting Well

Years ago, I mentioned to a writer friend that I have trouble waiting well on God's timetable with my writing. It seems my plans and God’s plans are often out of sync. Even when I see evidence of God's favor on my writing, I wonder how I missed his plan for a three-book series I have had my heart set on seeing published since the beginning of my writing efforts.

God has blessed me with many awards and opportunities. And I am grateful. Still…

With all the accolades and publishing credits God has blessed me with throughout the years that I have written for him, you'd think I'd sit back and wait for God's timetable in the matter of the elusive book contract I press on toward.

Although some days I wait better than other days, I know I could wait well better.

Today, I’d like for us to look at waiting well on God’s timetable in our writing alongside people in the Bible God who used to accomplish his purpose according to God's timetable. God's plan. God's will.

The Israelites

Instead of taking the Israelites the short way from Egypt to the promised land of Canaan through the land of the Philistines, God took them along the southern route. Even if they hadn't rebelled and added years to their journey, this route was longer.

Why did God do that?

Because he knew the Israelites weren't prepared to face the Philistine army. They weren't strong enough. They knew nothing of war. In time they would, but not right then.

God's timetable. God's plan. God's will.

David

David waited over a decade between the day Samuel anointed him as God's chosen king, to the day David claimed the throne.

Why the long wait?

Because God knew David wasn't ready for the job. Sure. David had victories over Goliath and the bear and lion. Major victories in anyone's book. But there was more he needed to learn before he became God's effective tool in conquering the land, and establishing God's people as God’s own.

I'm also thinking if David hadn't spent so much time out there with his sheep, the world wouldn’t have the blessings of his psalms.

God's timetable. God's plan. God's will.

Jesus

Jesus lacked nothing, yet it was 33 years from birth to resurrection before God's plan of salvation became reality.

Why?

I think, possibly, because humanity needed those years to understand that Jesus fulfilled the prophesies about the Messiah. Those years were necessary to understand the reason Christ came to this earth and lived a perfect life. A life he willingly offered as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

God's timetable. God's plan. God's will.

Paul

After Paul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, he did not receive his sight immediately. Nor did he set out on a missionary journey as soon as he regained his vision.

Even when Paul began his ministry to the Gentiles, there were times the Holy Spirit blocked his way and kept Paul from doing what he felt he needed to accomplish.

Why do you think that was, when Paul was so on fire for the Lord?

Like many of us, I believe Paul needed to be humbled before he could be receptive to what God's plan was for his life. Then, nothing could stop him.

God's timetable. God's plan. God's will.

Your Turn

God's timetable. God's plan. God's will. Always.

Maybe like the Israelites, we aren’t ready for our work to be published, and God is taking us the long way to strengthen and prepare us for what’s ahead.

It could be that, like David, we’ve had some success, but what God has planned for us will take a whole lot more dependence on him in the battle.

Perhaps we aren’t the ones God is getting ready. Instead, God is readying the readers he has already marked to read our words.

Do you think, like Paul, we might have some rough edges God is working on smoothing out during our wait before he tells us it’s show time?

Waiting well on God's timetable, plan, and will in our writing life may be difficult, but would we want anything less?  

What do you do to help you wait well on God's timetable, plan, and will in our writing?

I wish you well.

Sandy

Here’s what you can expect from me. In my posts, you’ll find words of encouragement for writers, book reviews, and discussions on the craft of writing. I am a former elementary school teacher, regular contributor to Guideposts devotional books, and a conference speaker. I write articles, devotions, and stories for adult and children’s publications. You can find me every Tuesday and Thursday at www.sandykirbyquandt.com. Please stop by.