Expectations and reality often have a gap between them that can frustrate us. It can be hard to accept when you build up a specific timeframe in your own mind and then that which you anticipate is not there when you decided it should be.

Therefore say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign Lord.’

Ezekiel 12:28

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

1 Peter 3:9-10

We could almost say that there are two timelines for Christians: human time and God time. Human time is based on our own wishes and expectations, a rush to end the suffering of this world, for example. God time is based on his eternal perspective, his plan and his wisdom.

We must examine ourselves when we are frustrated or disappointed with the way our lives are unfolding, especially in Spiritual things. The cause may be that we are only disappointed because we were thinking in limited terms. The big plan is playing out on God time.

Ethan Kirl