More often than not, He is the God of eleventh-hour solutions. Obviously He could act sooner, but He usually chooses later.

"By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive , even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE." (Hebrews 11:11-12)

God certainly could have made Abraham and Sarah parents at a much younger age. The agony of uncertainty could have been avoided altogether. So, why the delay? Was God slow in seeing the predicament, and in providing help? Were that the case, then His words through the apostle Peter would be nullified: "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness" (2 Peter 3:9).

God's delays are by design, not distraction or disinterest. They serve faith's purposes, not human timetables. The phrase, "by faith", is especially punctuated when we see God's great design. Sure, He could provide sooner, but would faith be best cultivated and matured in the short-term?

Patience and faith work hand in hand. James reminds us, "be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near." (James 5:7-8)

God certainly could have created an almost immediate growth cycle - a seed is planted and, moments later, a crop is ready. But, the extended cycle of planting, growth, and harvest serve as a metaphor for patience and faith.

Many languish in the cycle of life between planting and harvest. Perhaps growth is evident, but it is not fast enough or great enough, to our way of thinking. If only we could see the full fruition! We are so easily result-driven, whereas God is process-driven. His priority is the development of character and faith; we seek a tangible result.

May we focus more on God's process this day than our desired results. May we see the value of the journey, and let God's Spirit best cultivate the character that He desires, that makes us most fit for His Kingdom.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012