The Right Time

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)

For years, I’ve had a strained relationship with a particular member of my extended family. Decades of hurt had built a wall of mistrust, preventing me from getting close. But recently, some specific circumstances gave me courage and I took the brave step of reaching out and asking us to have a conversation. A few weeks ago, we met together and were able to have a painful, yet honest dialogue for the first time in years. I walked into the room that day not quite knowing how it would turn out. But I was blown away by the amazing way that God showed up. It became clear that not only had God been working in my heart, but in my family member’s life as well. The timing was perfect, and we were able to truly begin the process of healing and restoring our fractured relationship.

God is never in a hurry. His timing is perfect, even if it means that a season of pain lingers longer than we’d hoped. Joseph lived for years in Egypt before being reunited with his family, years that Jacob spent being crushed by grief for a son he thought was dead. While Moses was a shepherd in Midian and God was preparing him for his leadership role, countless Hebrews in Egypt suffered and died in the bonds of slavery. Mary and Martha buried their brother Lazarus while Jesus took a few extra days to arrive. If I’d had the conversation with my family member a few years ago, or even several months ago, I’m convinced it would have gone quite differently. Neither of us would have been ready to extend grace to each other with a listening heart. We don’t always get to see how perfect God’s timing truly is, but I’m grateful when He offers me a glimpse of His generous, patient heart.