The book of Exodus, in many ways, is a book about waiting. It begins when generations of the people of Israel have been waiting for more than 400 years for deliverance and salvation from enslavement in Egypt. When Moses leads the people of God out of their slavery and into freedom, he leads them into another period of waiting, wandering in the desert for 40 years.  Exodus teaches us that God is a Promise Keeper. God is never early, never late, but always on time. God’s perfect timing does two things—it grows our faith as we are forced to wait and trust God; and it makes certain that He alone gets the glory and praise for pulling us through.

Day 1      Exodus 1:1-8

Reflect: In this text, what is the time span? What was God’s purpose of this time frame before continuing His story? Does the idea “bad timing” apply here? Why?

Apply:   When you think of the word WAIT in connection to your relationship with God, what comes to mind? When have you had to wait as part of God’s plan for your life?

Pray:      God, You’ve shown Your provision in my life in so many different ways and times. Help me to faithfully believe, wait, and trust Your timing.

                                                 

Day 2      Exodus 12:31-42

Reflect: What differences do you notice about the two references to time? How does the phrase, “timing is everything,” apply to this text?

Apply:    How have you seen God’s perfect timing in your life? When have you experienced God calling you or someone you know to move very quickly and for what purpose?

Pray:      Father, deepen my understanding and give me a greater knowledge of what You are doing in my life. Stretch my faith in the midst of the wait. Thank You that You will answer my prayers at just the right moment and in the perfect way.

                                                                                                                                                              

Day 3      Exodus 13:17-19

Reflect: Why do you think God led them out in a way that would take more time? How do you think the people were impacted when Moses carried out Joseph’s ancient request?

Apply:   How have you experienced God taking you the “long” way? What would you have missed if you had taken a quicker path? When have you fulfilled a long-standing desire?

Pray:      Lord, give me a willing heart to obey and the faith I need to trust You every step of the way. Be with me in power and strength as I walk the path You lay before me today.

                                                                                                                 

Day 4      Deuteronomy 8:1-5

Reflect: Describe the purpose of the 40-year waiting period before entering the Promised Land. Do you think the people thought of the 40 years as a punishment or a blessing?  Why?

Apply:   What lessons has God taught you as you waited on Him? How is waiting on God met by His character? How does waiting imply listening and looking to God?

Pray:     Father, forgive me for doubts, worries, and impatience in my waiting. Help me to faithfully live for You, even in the crossroads of life, and to remember that it is good to wait on You.

                                                               

Day 5     2 Peter 3:8-9     

Reflect:  How does this text help you understand God’s timing? How do you see this text align with the Exodus wandering?  How do patience and waiting work together?

Apply:    What are some signs that you are not waiting on the Lord? How patient are you with the Lord? How would you encourage someone who is currently in a season of waiting?

Pray:       God, thank You that You created time, but You are not constrained by it. Give me patience as I expectantly wait, knowing that Your timing is always perfect. May I rest in You, knowing my time is in Your hands.

 

 Put it into Practice

Week 1: Wait on God

Make two lists: One of things you have waited for in the past and how God showed up.  And one of the things you are still waiting for and scriptural promises to help as you wait. Remembering builds faith!