When we are wanting something to happen, but it doesn’t happen as soon as we like, we wait.
In times when the wait isn’t easy, our Christian brothers and sisters remind us that things will happen in God's perfect timing. We may not always accept God’s timing, but in the end, we will realise that the wait was worth it.
We feel a relief once the wait is over and our hopes and dreams finally come to fruition. No more wondering what the outcome might be, and grateful that we finally got what we wanted.
God's timing might not be when we expected or we wanted things to come through. Chances are our dreams may not even turn out the way we imagined. Rather, the time God chooses and how He sets up our dreams will astound us.
I say the long wait is worth it because I recently learned how God’s timing is full of surprises. I suppose that God was lining up all the big and little surprises to happen at the right times.
My first job
Yes! I got a job at Elevate Christian Disability Trust! Though, it was a long journey. My employment specialist and Elevate and myself did a great deal of work to apply for a government funded employment program. Then we waited weeks for an official approval.
We got an unofficial notice that the application was approved. However, there was an unexpected delay in receiving the official documents. None of us knew why there was a delay.
We were left in the dark. We got so far and so close to the finish line. Up to this point we were filled with joy and excitement, yet we were left in limbo in the final weeks of the process.
A delay for an unknown reason
We were uncertain for two weeks or so. The government agency did not contact us about the next steps in the process for some time. After weeks of progress and waiting, we waited some more.
I was both excited and frustrated. Exited that we got an approval notice in an email, however, not knowing why there was a delay was frustrating.
It was a small period of turbulence. Emotions fluctuated between happiness and sadness. Questions concerning what the final result would be were lingering in my mind.
A few weeks, a few emails and a call later
The official documents and funding details finally came through! Just in time for me to start and attend Elevate’s Leadership Retreat.
During the retreat I got to see an overview of the whole organisation. I was able to hear of the heart of Elevate and hear an up to date version of the mission statement, values and other information of the organisation.
It also gave me the chance to meet and talk to Elevate ministry branch leaders from different regions. They were also introduced to the new role of Social Media Coordinator that I have filled.
I could not have planned or envisioned me starting work at the time of the retreat. Honestly, I wanted to start work as soon as possible, I couldn’t wait. However, this was a great time for me to start because attending the retreat gave me a good understanding of Elevate which helped me see how my role fits in.
First God surprised me by blessing me with a job in an organisation I love. Secondly, the timing of my start date was surprising after all.
God's timing
I’ve learned another great lesson. When I surrender my life to Him and keep trusting Him, He will bless me with the best. I’ve been reminded again that waiting on God's timing is worth it because He never disappoints. Instead, like my job, he will provide what I’ve asked for in the best way possible.
I know that sometimes we disagree with God delaying things or with what He sees as best for us. However, I agree with God on the outcome in this case. The challenge for me is to remember this and other blessings when I disagree with God.
Whether we agree or disagree, everything God does is ultimately for our good. I hope every time we recognize God's blessings, we become more accustomed to His timing.
Manuele Teofilo lives in South Auckland with his parents and siblings. He has graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Human Service. Now, he works at Elevate Christian Disability Trust. He enjoys getting around in his electric wheelchair and having fun with people.