IS GOD EVER LATE IN ANSWERING PRAYER? GOD'S PERFECT TIMING BY JENNIFER HALLMARK

Book blurb for Unlikely Merger

No longer needed as her father’s nurse, Mercy Lacewell attempts to step into his shoes at his acquisitions firm. That means travel, engaging strangers, and making final decisions—nothing she feels equipped to do. If her best friend has her way, Mercy will simply marry one of the single, available men she meets, but they overwhelm her. So handsome and kind. And so many. Even if she felt obliged, how could she ever choose?

Should she shove all attraction aside and focus on her father’s business, or is God warming her heart with the possibility of forever?

God’s Perfect Timing

By Jennifer Hallmark

God is rarely early and never late.

An oft-repeated statement in today’s church, I agree with a hearty Amen. Until the job I’ve held for twenty years is gone and I don’t know what to do. Or my teenage child is veering off the straight and

narrow path. Maybe my marriage seems to be in a nosedive or I can’t seem to recover from that simple surgery. During these times, I need to dig into the Word and see what God has to say on this subject. Here’s a scripture I’ve clung to over the years.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

This verse has helped me realize I can’t trust my understanding on any subject, but must trust God. His timing is perfect and God works all things out in His way and in His time according to His Word. These are three thoughts I try to remember during tough times.

(1)    God’s way-He has a plan and purpose for each of our lives with our good in mind but He brings these plans about in His way. He directs our paths. All of our figuring out does no good. Reasoning in our human capacity only leads to frustration and discouragement.

(2)    God’s time- Only God sees time from beginning to end. He sees everything that has been, everything that is, and everything that will be for each person. He painstakingly weaves life together to benefit His children. We might be settling for less with our asking than God has plans to give.

(3)    God’s Word- everything must line up with the Word of God. God speaks promises through His Word. People encourage us with the rhema or spoken word at times, but even this must line up with the written Word of God. Line your circumstances up with His Word and trust Him.

What do we do during the wait? Do we sit passively and wish for better days? Do we moan and complain to anyone and everyone who will listen? The Word of God links waiting with earnest expectations.  We share everything in our life with Father God including our sins and weaknesses, then repent, remain teachable, and stand on His Word in prayer. He gives us peace that passes understanding as we take everything to Him. The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom and teaches us what is our part to play in the situation and Jesus intercedes for us continually. What could be better than that?  God’s timing is always perfect. Look to Him!

“Arise; shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1-2 NKJV