By Cindy Angela
We sing a song regularly at Philadelphia Praise Center called, “Waktu Tuhan” or “God’s timing.” The song’s lyrics explain how we should trust in God’s timing and how God’s time is always best for us even though it’s hard to understand. The song is so easy to sing, but, living out the words is much harder. It’s not always easy to trust in God’s timing.
I especially feel the pressure of trusting God’s timing when the world seems to demand quick decisions, and I don’t feel like I have time to wait for God to respond. Even if I pray, I still ask myself, “How do I know if my plans are in accordance to God’s plans for my life?”
Proverbs 16:9 says, “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (NLT). I don’t always know for sure if I’m following God’s timeline for my life. But I know that my plans can’t supersede God’s answers. God’s answer can vary between “yes”, “no,” or “wait”, but I think they all work together to reveal His perfect timing for my life.
The Green Light (Yes, Go, Now!)
When God says, “Now is the time,” I sometimes find that it is not the answer I expected. It might feel fast… even too fast. Often, God’s guidance is in response to things I didn’t even pray or think about. These green lights from God have come in many forms to me: a job offer, a graduate program, or even marriage. But in the end, I found myself looking back at these green lights and being incredibly humbled and amazed by God’s faithfulness in my life, even if it didn’t feel like it at the time.
The Yellow Light (Wait)
I’m currently in my 2nd trimester of pregnancy and being pregnant has made me reflect on God’s process of timing. A typical pregnancy is 40 weeks, and those 40 weeks can feel very long and full of anticipation, especially for a first-time mother like me. In these weeks, the baby is being shaped in the womb and growing daily. There is some pain, discomfort, and anxiety, but I wouldn’t trade these months of waiting and growing for anything. How wonderful is God’s design!
“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake.”
2 Peter 3:9, NLT
The Red Light (No)
Lastly, when God gives His red light (which God often does), I always believe that there are better things in store for me. I remember this verse often because I see it happen throughout my life: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT).
When I look back at my life, I can see the bigger picture form. I see the wonder in God’s “yes”, “no,” or “wait”. I hope to be a better listener to God’s answers. I want to trust and anticipate God’s perfect timing, and maybe I will actually live out what I sing on Sundays at church.
“Waktu Tuhan pasti yang terbaik
Walau kadang tak mudah dimengerti
Lewati cobaan, ku tetap percaya
Waktu Tuhan pasti yang terbaik”“God’s timing is the best
NDC WORSHIP – WAKTU TUHAN
Even though it’s hard to understand
Though I go through trials, I still believe
God’s timing is the best.”
The opinions expressed in this content are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference.
Cindy Angela
Cindy currently works as a Digital Communications Associate for the conference. Cindy was born and raised in Surabaya, Indonesia before moving to Philadelphia, PA where she graduated with a degree in Communications and Digital Media Technology from Temple University. She attends Philadelphia Praise Center with her husband, Andy.
The opinions expressed in articles posted on Mosaic’s website are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference. Mosaic is a large conference, crossing ethnicities, geographies, generations, theologies, and politics. Each person can only speak for themselves; no one can represent “the conference.” May God give us the grace to hear what the Spirit is speaking to us through people with whom we disagree and the humility and courage to love one another even when those disagreements can’t be bridged.