As I mentioned in the last post, we will pick up today with chapter seven, which is entitled, "Right on Time." This chapter was probably my favorite in the book so far. It addresses a subject that I suspect all of us have problems with from time to time. I know that I, as an impatient person, certainly have to deal with this.
Dr. Stanley opens this chapter by asking a question, "Do you ever feel that God is late? Or that He has ignored you?" I know that I have asked myself these questions and I suspect that many of you have also. The story of Lazarus in the Bible comes to mind - how Mary accused Jesus of being "late."
Dr. Stanley explains why this is such a problem for many of us. We tend to view the world and our lives on our own timetable - not God's. We want to think that we know what is best for us, even though we don't. We do not look at the world and our lives from a heavenly perspective - but from our own worldly, limited perspective. Dr. Stanley points out that God knows all - past, present and future. Therefore, He is the one who knows what is best for us. He explains why we should attempt to get in step with God's plan and His schedule - instead of our own.
Dr. Stanley goes on to explain how we can do this; he addresses what is required in order to learn to live on God's timetable. He talks about Faith, Patience and Hope. He explains the perspective we "should" have. He uses Paul as an example of understanding God's schedule.
Dr. Stanley closes this chapter with a section entitled "Looking Forward with Hope." He uses the writings of David to show how we can, in fact, learn to live in sync with God's plan for us. As Dr. Stanley points out, the first step will be to learn to accept God's sovereignty - realize that He knows all - and admit that He knows best and wants the best for us.
Thanks for visiting today. Next time we will go to Chapter Eight, "God Uses Adversity."
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