Daily devotional, May 9, 2024 Synchronized swimming

“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:25-26

Synchronized swimming is one of the sporting events that I just find so enjoyable to watch. The swimmers do not seem daunted by the challenges of being in the water, and can perfectly orchestrate their moves. The choreography, execution, and  synchronicity are just so amazing.

As followers of Jesus, we are under the care of the God of perfect timing. Since He has the best view of our lives, He knows the best timing and response to our prayers. Just  like what the Apostle Paul mentioned in the Book of Acts, he said that God decided on every aspect of our lives including the time we will live on earth, so that we get to discover Him and HIs love.

"And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us," 
Acts 17:26-27

When we feel like our life is spiralling out of control, we have to remind ourselves that there is a God who has planned it all out. Who sees it all, who pre-destined it all, and more importantly has the power to deliver us through it all. We may have failed and sinned, but He can redeem us if only we will repent and surrender our lives to Him.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." 
Jeremiah 29:11-12

Sometimes, we feel sad and frustrated when we try our best to do everything to please God, but it seems that our prayers are not being heard. When challenges come all at one time, and God is not answering our prayers, we can even become resentful.

And while these feelings may be valid (and God can certainly handle our pouring of these kinds of emotions to Him), we must take heart that God knows what He is doing. Our God knows best how and when to respond to our prayers.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your waysand my thoughts than your thoughts." 
Isaiah 55:8-9

A good illustration of God’s perfect timing is the story of three men from the old testament times, who refused to bow to an idol. They earned the ire of the king as they insisted on being faithful to God. The three men kept on praying for deliverance, as the king ordered that they be burned to death. And though the Lord did not prevent the king from punishing the three men by putting them inside a blazing furnace, God sent help just when the three men needed it the most:

"Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” 
Daniel 3:24-25

Like the three men, we have to develop the ability of patiently and faithfully waiting on the Lord. While waiting for Him to respond to us, we should just fervently pray and continue abiding in God, keeping in mind that He is the God of perfect timing.

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." 
Isaiah 40:31

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Daniel 3:11-30 to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: Have you personally experienced God’s perfect timing?

Conversation with the Lord:  Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for being the God of perfect timing. for having my best interests at heart. Give me the faith and confidence to abide and wait on you. Amen.