In the Lord’s Own Time

—some thoughts by Pastor Charles P. Schmitt

I was recently impressed by the following statement by George Mueller, that great man of faith—“However great our difficulties, and though to all appearance help is impossible, yet our business is to hope in God, and it will be found that such hope is not in vain. In the Lord’s own time, help will come.” This is actually the story of Joseph.

On the same day as I read the above quote, I was also reading Psalm 37 (in The Book), and I was impressed with that very emphasis in this psalm of David on “the Lord’s own time.” “Don’t envy those who do wrong. For like grass they will soon (‘in the Lord’s own time’) fade away. Like springtime flowers, they will soon (‘in the Lord’s own time’) wither” (vs. 1–2). Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently (‘in the Lord’s own time’) for Him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about heir wicked schemes” (v. 7). “In a little while (‘in the Lord’s own time’) the wicked will disappear. Though you look for them, they will be gone” (v. 10). “The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand….Don’t be impatient for the LORD to act! (wait for ‘the Lord’s own time’)…Travel steadily along His path. He will honor you (‘in the Lord’s own time’) … the LORD saves the godly; He is their fortress in times of trouble. The LORD helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in Him” (‘in the Lord’s own time’) (vs. 23, 34, 39).

As with Joseph, difficulties of all kinds do surround us—unyielding circumstances, adversaries with their opposition, inner struggles and uncertainties—but the promise remains: “Hope in God and … in the Lord’s own time, help will come.” “Wait patiently for Him to act….” God’s delays are not His denials. The Lord waits that He might be gracious to us. Our patience in waiting only matures our confidence, refines our motives, and forges our assurance in God on the anvil of hope. This is exactly what Joseph uncovered in his walk with God. “In the Lord’s own time, help will come.” “Wait patiently for Him to act!”

Amen.