God’s time table

Have you ever heard the saying, God is never too early, or too late, but just on time? As I read the narrative of Joseph I am gripped by the essence of this cliche. Though I don’t fully agree with all the intimations of this saying, I think what it ultimately indicates is that God’s timing is different from ours and we need to rely on him in patience in matters of this life.

Joseph had received earth shattering dreams from God as a youth. It seemed like his life was charmed, destined for power according to his dreams, he was also the favoured of 12 sons, and in his father’s eyes he could do no wrong. As fate would have it however he fell into severely hard times. Sold as a slave by his own brothers, he found himself in servitude to an Egyptian royal official.

As if Joseph knew the old saying about God’s timing he faithfully puts in his time in dutiful service. He serves Potiphar excellently and is soon the chief steward overseeing all enterprises. Again it seems that nothing could go wrong. But unfortunately, history seems to repeat itself. Joseph is falsely accused and ends up in a deep dark dungeon meant only for criminals.

Here in the cave of despair, Joseph has an opportunity to forsake God. After all God’s prophesied dreams haven’t come true. Far from it! Instead an unimagined opposite extreme has been Joseph’s reality for many years. I can hear Joseph now wondering about God’s timing. Lord didn’t you promise? Why did you give me those dreams? How come these things are happening to me? When will you deliver?

Finally it seemed like salvation was at hand. Pharaoh’s royal cupbearer had received ministry from Joseph while in Jail thus owing Joseph a favour upon his release. Surely now his vindication would come, and a pardon would be issued Joseph thought. But yet again he faces another disappointment. For two whole years he is forgotten in the cell by God, his family and even the cupbearer who owed much to Joseph.

I do believe God’s timing is impeccable. His timetable is on a completely different coordinate system than ours. Thankfully Joseph did continue to be faithful. Even though by know he was despondent and grief stricken he continued to serve God with integrity. It seemed as if God knew what he was doing after all, for all of a sudden Joseph was ushered into Pharaoh’s presence. Out of nowhere, God had granted the king a puzzling dream, which only Joseph could interpret. Isn’t that just like God to conjure the right events necessary to provide breakthrough you need? Think about the “lucky breaks” or “random” strokes of luck that have led to you meeting that significant person, finding the right job, or just simply being in the right place at the right time. In fact if you recall, had events been sequenced a little differently you may have missed entirely what God wanted you to experience.

That, my friend is all the timing of the Lord. He holds our future, past and present in his hands. You may even say he holds the chips of our lives, and he knows the right cards to deal out to us. We simply need to place our trust in him.

That is exactly what Joseph did. In Genesis 41 Joseph is rewarded greatly for solving Pharaoh’s stirring mystery. He becomes the 2nd most powerful man in the kingdom only at age 30. Joseph receives the hig priest’s daughter in marriage, and inherits riches, power and influence beyond his wildest dreams. For Joseph, the Lord’s timetable was the right time.

While you may not marry priestly royalty or become the most powerful person in your nation, understand that God’s rewards will outlast your own human estimation. Trust solely in God, despite the longevity of your circumstances, believe that our times are truly in his hands, and expect to see the salvation of the Lord.