Testimony Tuesday..God’s perfect timing

Morning all, my testimony today is slightly different. It’s about a time in my life when the Lord taught me a lesson about obedience and timing. His perfect timing. Not my timing.

I have a tendency either to jump straight in to something with both feet or go to the other extreme and procrastinate to the nth degree (even when I know it’s something the Lord wants me to do and it’s been confirmed to me).

So I was working at the time in a large law firm in the nearest city and I had been there for over 10 years. It was a very good position with great career prospects but I felt the Lord stirring my heart that it was time for a move. I started seeking the Lord in prayer. The Lord showed me that He wanted me to work in the local area where I was living. This would mean working at a much smaller law firm and leaving my current clients. It would be a big change in lots of ways.

The Lord gave me the name of the law firm where a position would be opened up for me. I knew of the firm by name but nothing else about them. I decided being me to jump straight in. I wrote to the law firm applying for a job…nothing, not a response or acknowledgment of my letter. I tried calling and leaving a message..nothing. I was really disappointed to say the least because I was convinced this move was of God.

Anyway, I eventually did what I should have done sooner. I went back to the Lord in prayer and sought Him. What had I got wrong. The Lord’s answer was simple. I hadn’t asked the Lord about His timing. I had presumed it was a “now” word but I should have waited on the Lord for His perfect timing. I had been presumptuous. I repented that I had run ahead and tried to open the door in my timing and in my strength. Praise God that His mercies are new every morning.

Then over 12 months later, one day unexpectedly I hear the Lord say in my spirit “Now is the time. I have opened the door”. I receive a phone call out of the blue from a commercial agent telling me this law firm is looking for another lawyer and they had recommended me. So I write the same letter of application again and post it. This time as the Lord has prompted me. The next morning I receive another phone call and it’s the head of the department confirming that they had received my letter and a position had opened up. Could I come to their offices that week to see them for an interview. You can guess where this is going…yes, I got the job. Praise God.

I hope this small story is an encouragement to you. The Lord is faithful and long suffering, great in mercy and He really does know best. God knows the plans He has for you. He knows the perfect timing for those doors of opportunity to be opened for His plans and purposes to be fulfilled.

I was struck the other day by these bible verses in Exodus. The Lord had promised the Israelites that He would increase their territory but it would not happen all at once because they would not be able to handle it all at once. Little by little was the key.

“I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land.”
Exodus 23:29-30

I think this could be a word for someone reading. Little by Little. The Lord has given you a vision, ministry or role but you won’t possess it straight away because it would be too big for you initially. Little by little the Lord will open things up for you so as you grow and mature you will be fully prepared for the work He has for you to do.

That job the Lord moved me into was a springboard for me then to move to another firm and progress over time into a senior leadership role. I learnt so much along the way which has prepared me for the work the Lord has called me to do now and I believe in the future.

Blessings to you today.