In Due Time

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)

Due time.

The funny thing is that it often FEELS like the time is due, doesn't it? When you are waiting for God to break through in your life and do something that only He can do, it's easy to become discouraged. Why? Well for 1) because it feels like there's nothing you can do about it. And 2) because often, it feels like the breakthrough should have already come.

And when you've waited for something for a long time, (3) it's easy to start to fear that it's never going to happen. That's why the next words that Peter writes are so profound:

"casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)

So what does God's Word tell us to do?

1) Don't think that there's nothing you can do about it.

This Scripture makes it abundantly clear that God opposes prideful people but gives grace to the humble. (1 Peter 5:5) Allowing the LORD to shape your heart in the waiting is key. Will you grow hardened toward Him? Will you try to take things into your own hands and make it happen (pride)? Or will you choose to "be still and know that He is God"? Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

2) Timing is everything.

Well, it's at least really important. If it wasn't, God would have brought the breakthrough by now. That's why operating by "due time" is so important. If you simply operate by what you FEEL, you will walk with constant discouragement because of the length of time it has been with no results. But if you focus on the KIND of God we have who cares about you so much that He is willing to make you wait longer for your good, you will begin to appreciate due time.

In fact, I have a feeling that when it's FINALLY "due time," you will say something like:

"Wow, just think if He would've brought the breakthrough sooner. I wouldn't have been able to maintain/steward/contain/walk in the blessing because of ___________." Remember, that's called God's GRACE.

"Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him." Isaiah 30:18 (ESV)

3) Fear is the enemy to your destiny.

God knew that humbling yourself to wait for His "due time" could expose you to believe lies and fears like "What if it never comes to pass?" "What if God doesn't give me the desire of my heart?" (See Psalm 37:4) "What if none of it was true?"

That's why Peter tells us to cast all of our anxieties on Jesus. It's has the connotation of rolling all of our burdens, fears, and anxieties onto His shoulders. Or, in fishing terms, to cast it to Him.

Here's the progression.

1) Humility is the pathway to your destiny.

2) Time may FEEL due, but you'll be eternally glad in the end that you went by His timetable.

3) Fear will try to get you to rise up in pride, force your way, and lose your faith. But Jesus is willing to take all of it onto His shoulders, if you'll leave it there.

God is real.

He is good.

You can trust Him.

He often seems late. He's never late. His clock is more accurate than ours.

"But I said, 'I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the LORD, and my recompense with my God...for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD and my God has become my strength.'" Isaiah 49:4-5 (ESV)

Don't be discouraged! Humble yourself, trust in God, and He will lift you up in DUE TIME!

Wes Raley