THE GIFT OF TIME
The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”
Genesis 12:1 (NIV)
Can you imagine Abram’s (later known as Abraham) shock when God told him to leave everything—home, family, and dreams—and go into the unknown? He likely felt some trepidation. Yet, staring into uncertainty, Abram took a step of faith that began a long, incredible journey.
We live in a culture of speed, where convenience rules. In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel frustrated with the slow pace of personal growth, healing or change. The enemy uses this impatience to make us feel inadequate, as if our faith isn’t growing fast enough. But God didn’t create us in a factory; He created us in a garden.
Nature reveals God’s value for time. Trees don’t grow overnight, gardens don’t produce fruit in a day, nor do we. Transformation and growth take time. In His kindness, God uses the journey to reveal more than we could ever convince ourselves to believe. Jesus hints at this reality when He says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Remaining in Him, day after day, leads to a slow but profound transformation. The doubts, lies, and fears we wrestle with don’t just need quick answers; they need the journey with Him.
God’s slowness is beautiful—the way He is consistently with us, patiently tending to our needs, minds, and hearts, using time to deepen our understanding of who He is and who we are to Him. Time is a gift. Anyone who has fallen in love knows that time with another is sacred; in those slow spaces, love has time to grow. Similarly, our journey with God isn’t about reaching the promised land but walking with Him, discovering His character and love. Through slowness, we indeed come to know Him.
APPLICATION: Where do you feel frustrated—circumstances, healing, unfulfilled dreams, or persistent lies? These spaces are fertile ground for truth and joy. Invite the Lord into those areas and ask for His perspective and value for the journey He’s chosen for you.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for being with me in every step. You’re not offended by my struggles, but help me grow. Teach me about You in life’s slowness. Reassure me of Your truth and guide me to walk confidently. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?