God is Soverign over Delays

To continue the In Touch Series, I want to write on waiting, not only for our major requests, but what God’s teaching me on waiting in the small delays too. I’ve covered a few other posts from this series. This one is from Proverbs 16:9 – In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. 

I realized during reading this devotional that waiting on God doesn’t just apply to seeking guidance from Him for big things, ie. waiting on our current answer to prayer for children, but it applies to all the small delays as well. Ultimately, God is the one who controls every inconvenience and delay. Every traffic light, checkout line, plane mechanical issue, etc.

He is sovereign over everything, even our time and schedules. He is more interested in developing character than He is in making sure our schedules run according to plans. It’s during even the small delays that He teaches us obedience, patience, faith, an effective prayer life, and peace all while we rest in His sovereignty.

So what would it look like if we trusted Him, not just in the big events, but in the little events too? This has been on my mind a lot lately, for two reasons. I will admit I’m not good at waiting. I was just telling my married small group the other night that I feel like God has recently made me aware that how I react to inconvenient situations isn’t very Christ like. Especially waiting. I feel as though God’s letting me know that if I can’t manage delays and often lose my temper, then how will I react in similar situations and be an example when we have kids? I have no doubt it is during this time that He is making me realize I need to change my perspective and attitude, all to prep me to be a better mother down the road.

Also, I feel as though I trust Him in the big things (healing us and having a baby), but sometimes get so fearful in the little things. Lately, it has been elevators. Yes, sounds silly. But, sure enough I’m afraid of getting stuck in an elevator. A week after I told a friend this, guess what happened? I got stuck (twice in one day) in an elevator. It was during that moment that I was able to realize that no matter what, God was with me and would take care of me. There are so many other little fears that creep up so easily, fears of Colby being gone and something happening, him getting hurt, etc. But, shouldn’t I trust God that He will take care of not only the big situations, but the little ones too?

I hope, and pray, I can remember that during unexpected delays, even if it’s as silly as a delayed flight or traffic light, that they come as no surprise to God. He is sovereign over our lives, every delay and every inconvenience and I hope through these situations I learn to become more patient and trust Him more.