FEBRUARY – “Missions: The Heart of God”
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
EMBRACING GOD’S TIMING
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Joseph – A Life Shaped by Divine Timing
Joseph’s story is one of waiting, preparation, and divine timing. As a young man, he had God-given dreams of greatness, but his journey to fulfillment was anything but immediate. He was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned (Genesis 37, 39). From a human perspective, it seemed like everything was falling apart. But in reality, God was positioning him for His perfect plan.
After years of hardship, at just the right time, Joseph was raised to second-in-command in Egypt (Genesis 41). The very trials he endured prepared him for the responsibility of saving nations from famine. What seemed like delays were actually God’s strategic steps toward his purpose.
Joseph’s life teaches us that God is never late, never early—He is always on time. Even when circumstances seem confusing, we can trust that His plan is unfolding exactly as it should.
Personal Application: Trusting the Purpose in the Waiting
There are moments in life when we feel like God is taking too long—when doors don’t open, when prayers seem unanswered, or when setbacks make us wonder if we’re forgotten. In these times, it’s easy to grow impatient or discouraged.
But just like Joseph, we must remember:
- Every season has a purpose. Even the waiting seasons are doing something in us—refining our faith, shaping our character, and preparing us for what’s ahead.
- God is always at work behind the scenes. Just because we don’t see movement doesn’t mean He isn’t moving.
- Delays are not denials. God’s “wait” is not the same as “no.” His timing is always perfect, even when it doesn’t align with ours.
Instead of resisting the waiting, embrace it as part of God’s process. He knows the right time to bring His plans to pass in your life.
Think about the process of baking fresh bread. After mixing the ingredients, the dough must rest and rise before it can be baked. If you rush the process and skip this crucial step, the bread will be dense and underdeveloped.
In the same way, our lives require seasons of waiting and preparation before we can fully experience God’s best. If we try to rush ahead, we may step into something prematurely, missing out on the fullness of His blessing.
Trust the process. God is preparing something far greater than you can imagine.
Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for Your perfect timing in my life. Even when I don’t understand the delays, I choose to trust You. Help me to be patient and to embrace each season, knowing that You are working behind the scenes. Give me strength to endure setbacks and wisdom to see Your hand at work in all circumstances. I surrender my timeline to You and trust that Your plans for me are good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Assignment: Surrendering to God’s Timing
- Identify an area in your life where you are experiencing delay or frustration.
- Write a prayer of surrender, giving that situation fully to God.
- Journal any insights or changes in perspective as you wait on Him.
- When impatience rises, remind yourself: God’s delays are never wasted—He is preparing something better than I could imagine.
Be encouraged—God’s timing is perfect, and He is always right on time!
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Mae Jackson – Thanks For Loving & Praying Her Home! Hallelujah
Paula Ferus
Ann Stanley
Lamar Knight’s Family in CA Fires
Rebecca Smith
Ann & Robby Stanley
Mrs. Franklin
Greg Schriener
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Newby
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
Jessica Headrick
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Kim McClain’s Sister
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Linda Lanier
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher