Transformed – teen devotion – March 17, 2024
One truth shared: Sometimes it doesn’t feel like God is listening or cares, but he shows complete commitment in his salvation plan.
“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.”
John 12:27
God’s timing is always on time
Have you ever wondered, “God what are you waiting for?” You’re not the first:
- Jesus’ mother said, “They have no more wine.” … “My hour has not yet come.” Jesus replied. (John 2:4)
- Jesus said, “You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” (John 7:8)
- Now there were some Greeks… with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” … Jesus said, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. (John 12:20-23)
It seems like just the right time to see the miracle or at the very least experience something good. But then you wait, and wait, and wait. Trusting God and waiting is not always easy. Sometimes you wonder, “God, what are you waiting for?”
There is a promise that believers had been waiting on for a long time, literally from the beginning. God promised someone who would be struck on the heel but would in turn crush the devil’s head. The pages of the Old Testament provide more and more detail on this promised Messiah. Generation after generation longed for his arrival but never saw that promise fulfilled in their lifetime. After so much time, people must have wondered, “God, what are you waiting for? Will you come to save your people?”
Thousands of years passed. More and more detailed prophecy was shared. Finally, when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son to redeem those under the law. Jesus the Messiah came. Early in Jesus’ ministry it is odd to hear him say, “My time has not yet come.” So many had already waited for so long. But Jesus waited a little bit longer. Until… some Greeks wanted to see Jesus. Now is the Son of Man glorified. This is a great example of God’s love and his timing. Jesus wanted his message to reach not just the people of Israel, but every nation, and in time, to come to you with this message. Our Lord has meticulous planning and enduring patience to save us. God’s commitment to his people is solid and trustworthy.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for always listening and always providing what is best for my soul and those around me. I’m sorry when doubts creep into my heart. I know that no promise from you will ever fail. Thank you for sticking to your plan and your purpose which meant going to the cross for me. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
