Praise the Lord for Lee Bryan, Alyssa Yang, and Natalie Garner, who publicly declared their faith through baptism today!
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
TRUSTING GOD’S TIMING
Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
Abraham and Sarah’s story is a powerful example of both the challenges and the rewards of trusting God’s timing.
When God first promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations (Genesis 12:2-3), it must have seemed incredible yet exciting.
But as years turned into decades with no sign of a child, the promise began to feel distant, even impossible.
Abraham and Sarah grew weary in the waiting, questioning whether God’s plan had been delayed or forgotten.
Their frustration and impatience eventually led them to take matters into their own hands.
Sarah, doubting her ability to conceive, suggested that Abraham have a child with her maidservant, Hagar.
This decision, born out of human reasoning rather than divine trust, resulted in the birth of Ishmael (Genesis 16:1-4).
While Ishmael was loved by Abraham, the decision to circumvent God’s timing brought significant tension and heartache into their family, with jealousy and strife affecting their relationships.
Despite their missteps, God’s plan remained steadfast.
His promise was not dependent on their perfect trust but on His perfect faithfulness.
At the appointed time—when both Abraham and Sarah were well past childbearing age—God fulfilled His word.
Sarah conceived and gave birth to Isaac, the child of promise, bringing laughter and joy into their lives (Genesis 21:1-3).
The miraculous nature of Isaac’s birth underscored that it was entirely God’s doing, not their own.
Their story serves as a reminder that God’s timing is not the same as ours, but it is always perfect.
The waiting, though painful, was not wasted.
It was during those years of anticipation that Abraham and Sarah’s faith was tested and refined.
They learned that God’s promises are never thwarted, no matter how impossible the circumstances may seem.
In the end, the fulfillment of God’s promise brought not only personal joy to Abraham and Sarah but also the foundation for the nation of Israel, through which all nations would be blessed.
For us, Abraham and Sarah’s journey reminds us that trusting God’s timing often requires patience, surrender, and a willingness to let go of our own plans.
While the waiting may be difficult, their story reassures us that God is always faithful.
When His promises are fulfilled, they are far greater and more beautiful than anything we could have achieved on our own.
Waiting on God’s timing is one of the hardest tests of faith.
It’s tempting to grow frustrated or take control, but when we do, we often complicate God’s plan.
Trusting God’s timing means surrendering our impatience, believing that His wisdom is greater than ours.
We might not understand why the wait is necessary, but we can be confident that God’s plans for us are good.
Just as Abraham and Sarah learned, we, too, must trust that God will fulfill His promises in the way and time that are best.
Picture a seed planted in fertile soil. It doesn’t sprout into a towering tree overnight.
It takes time for the roots to grow deep, for the stem to rise, and for the branches to spread.
The growth is invisible at first, but it is no less real. God’s promises in our lives often follow a similar pattern.
Though we may not see immediate results, His work is happening beneath the surface, preparing us for the blessings to come.
Trusting His timing allows us to grow and mature, just as the seed becomes a tree in due season.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to trust Your timing. Teach me patience and surrender when I don’t see the answers I’m waiting for. Remind me that You know what is best for me and that Your plans are perfect. May I rest in the assurance of Your faithfulness, even in the waiting. Amen.
ASSIGNMENT: Reflect on one area in your life where you’re waiting on God’s timing—whether it’s a relationship, a decision, or a breakthrough. Write a prayer of surrender, laying that area before God and declaring your trust in His plan. End your prayer with gratitude, acknowledging His wisdom and faithfulness.
ENCOURAGEMENT: As you wait, remember that God is always working, even when you can’t see it. Trust Him to lead you in His perfect timing, knowing that His ways are higher than yours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Be encouraged: the waiting is never wasted when God is the one in control.
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Jessica Headrick
Linda Lanier
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard – Riverside in Covington
Dale Lake
David Newby
Darlene Wiggins
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother in law
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Parker
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Marynell Ford
Matt Barron’s Mother
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Roach Mitchell
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher