Learning to Trust His Timing
Recently I came across a bible verse that really stood out to me and made me stop for a minute. I felt the need to pause in the midst of the business of life and truly expand on the meaning of His words. Ecclesiastes 3:11 states “He makes everything beautiful in His time.” In the season of life I am in right now, these words were just what I needed.
So often in life it is easy to see the successes and perfections of other peoples lives placed before us on social media. We can get so caught up in the monotonous scrolling that we might not realize the negative consumption of what we are feeding ourselves. I know for me, I tend to effortlessly scroll whenever I feel the tiniest bit of boredom. Whether I am in the car with a family member, laying out in the sun, or heading to bed at night, I tend to notice myself looking at the screen in front of me. Trust me, I am not the one to tell you that getting rid of all social media is the solution to the problem. I love using instagram as a creative outlet and memory capturer. Social media is part of the generation we live in today, and simply deleting all social platforms will not instantly provide a solution to our inadequacies. However, when I think about Ecclesiastes 3:11, I am reminded to adjust my thoughts when I begin to spiral into the idea that God is working greater in others lives than my own. When scrolling, I can choose to view others joys and successes with the assurance of God’s perfect timing in my own life. I am sure you have heard this saying a million times, but it really is true: Instagram is a highlight reel. No ones life is perfect every second of the day.
This struggle of comparison and inadequacy extends further than social media. Life itself is full of moments where we might catch ourselves wondering if God really does have our life mapped together. When we watch others around us succeed, it is so easy to believe the lies that we are “less than.” Our thoughts might sound like, “their life is perfect” / “she has it so easy” / “I wish I could be them.”
While writing, this metaphor came to my mind and I think it is a perfect analogy of God’s timing - Different flowers bloom during different seasons. In the spring, Violets, Azaleas, and Daffodils flourish. In the summer, Roses and Daisies flourish. In the fall, Honeysuckles and Pansies flourish. And in winter, Winters Rose Camellias flourish. If all flowers bloomed during the same season, and died during the same season, half of our year would be stripped of nature’s beauty.
In a similar way, God has different timing for each of his children. His plan for our lives is so perfect, and in every season he is working on our behalf. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” While you may not be in the same season as someone around you, remember that your season of growth will come.
Each season of our life serves a purpose under heaven. No matter what your current season of life is, find hope in God and his perfect timing! We are not meant to understand every detail behind our life, but we are called to trust God’s handiwork in establishing it.
Thedailydoseofjesus!
XO,
Frances
