20 Feb March 2nd Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT THESSALONICA 

AT THE PROPER TIME

2 Thessalonians 2:5-6 “Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? And now you know what is holding Him back, so that He may be revealed at the proper time.”

God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 5:8-9) Just as God’s thoughts and ways are not like yours neither is His timing.  Solomon wrote, “Man proposes but God disposes.” (Proverbs 19:21)

One characteristic of the Old Adam who resides in all human beings is he wants to tell God what to do and not to do.  This includes, of course, telling Him when He should do something.  You’ve probably seen the plaque that is supposed to be a prayer to God, “God, grant me patience — NOW!”

God’s time is God’s time.  He chose when to create the world.  He has chosen who and what to place in the world.  He has said He alone will determine when to bring the existence of this world to an end.  No one will ever take away from God the time He has put into place.

The Psalmist says, “This is the day the Lord has made. . .” (Psalm 118:24)  Today is His day that in His love and mercy He permits you to experience.  THIS day is the day He has promised to give you your daily bread, to provide all you need to support your body and life, etc.  And, as Jesus said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

At the “proper time” (today’s devotional verse), when God determines it is the right time, the right place, and the right thing to do it will occur.  The Psalmist writes, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:  He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:5-7)

Prayer:  Grant me patience LORD, to wait for your right time. . .” In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Refrain:

Lead me, guide me, along the way;

For if You lead me, I cannot stray.

Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.

Lead me, O Lord, lead me.

I am weak and I need Thy strength and pow’r

To help me over my weakest hour.

Help me through the darkness Thy face to see.

Lead me, O Lord, lead me.  Refrain:

Help me tread in the paths of righteousness,

Be my aid when Satan and sin oppress.

I am putting all my trust in Thee.

Lead me, O Lord, lead me.  Refrain:

I am lost if You take Your hand from me,

I am blind without Thy light to see.

Lord, always let me Thy servant be.

Lead me, O Lord, lead me.

(LSB 721)