The other day, my 3-year-old son came home from playing with his friends, visibly upset. When I asked what was wrong, he expressed that he didn’t want to turn 4 years old – he wanted to skip ahead and become 5 instead. As a parent, I tried to gently explain to him how things work and that he still had time to grow. But he remained adamant, unwilling to accept the natural progression of his age and development.
This scenario, while seemingly simple, actually provides a profound spiritual lesson about the importance of embracing God’s timing in our lives. It’s a powerful reminder that even in our most natural human tendencies, God can reveal deeper truths about walking in faith.
Trusting God’s Perfect Timing
Just like my young son, we as believers can sometimes grow impatient with the pace of our own spiritual growth and maturation. We see others around us progressing faster or reaching new milestones, and we find ourselves yearning to “skip ahead” to that next level of faith, ministry, or relationship with God.However, the Bible reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, and He has a specific plan and purpose for each season of our lives:
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
When we try to rush ahead or take matters into our own hands, we risk missing out on the valuable lessons and divine appointments God has orchestrated for our current stage. Just as my son is not yet ready to take on the responsibilities of a 5-year-old, we are not always prepared for the spiritual challenges and callings God has in store for us. His timing is intentional, designed to grow us and shape us in ways that align with His perfect will.
Resting in God’s Provision
When we find ourselves growing impatient, like my son, it’s important to remember that God is fully aware of where we are in our journey. He has not forgotten us or abandoned us – He is actively working in our lives, even when the progress feels slow or the waiting seems unbearable.
The Psalmist reminds us: “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.” (Psalm 138:8)
God’s love and provision are constant, even when our circumstances or feelings of growth do not align with our own expectations. By trusting in His timing and resting in His care, we can find the peace and contentment to embrace each season, rather than trying to rush ahead. His plans are higher than our own, and He is faithful to complete the work He has started in us.
Embracing the Process of Maturity
Just as my young son has more to learn and experience before he is truly ready for the responsibilities of a 5-year-old, we too must be willing to submit to the process of spiritual maturity. Each stage of our lives, no matter how challenging, is an opportunity to grow deeper in our faith and become more like Christ.
The apostle Paul encourages us: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
God is faithful to complete the work He has started in us. By embracing the journey, rather than trying to rush ahead, we can find joy in the process and trust that He is shaping us for His purposes. The temptation to “skip ahead” may be strong, but submitting to His timing will ultimately produce the fruit of patience, perseverance, and Christ-likeness in our lives.
Practical Steps to Embrace God’s Timing
So how can we practically apply these lessons from my son’s experience? Here are a few suggestions:
- Regularly examine your heart for signs of impatience or a desire to “hurry up” your spiritual growth.
- Meditate on Scripture passages that remind you of God’s perfect timing and sovereignty over your life.
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to cultivate in you a spirit of trust, contentment, and surrender to God’s plan.
- Find an accountability partner who can encourage you to stay the course and not give in to impatience.
- Celebrate the small wins and milestones along your journey, rather than fixating on what’s ahead.
Closing Thoughts:
The next time I find myself, or my child, growing impatient with the pace of growth or progression, I will remember the lessons from my 3-year-old son. I will embrace God’s perfect timing, rest in His provision, and trust that He is faithfully guiding me through each season. In doing so, I will find the peace and contentment to flourish right where I am, knowing that He who began a good work in me will bring it to completion.
