“God’s timing was impeccable.” Dr. Bob Vanden Bosch’s experience backs up his words. I met Bob in 1975 at a Christian camp, and he started coming to our church. In February of 1983, Bob joined me as I opened the Senate in prayer. Afterwards, we went out to lunch with two of the senators and an older, lobbying pastor. One senator suggested that Bob should replace the aging pastor in his Springfield ministry. Bob agreed to pray about this, but thought others were more qualified at the time.
That Sunday, Bob offered to help the lobbying pastor with his ministry, but he was turned down. Bob all but gave up his desire to serve in political ministry.
Two weeks later, the lobbying pastor invited Bob to join him for two days as he lobbied in Springfield. On the second day, the pastor asked Bob if he would become his associate in ministry. Bob said yes.
When Bob returned to Springfield with the pastor the next week, the pastor asked him to testify against a piece of legislation while he went on vacation. This opportunity began a ministry which continues to this day. Bob took over the pastor’s job. While on vacation, the pastor discovered he had leukemia and could not continue his ministry. God made everything fall into place at just the right time.
God made time, so it should come as no surprise to us that He controls the timing of events in our lives. His plan is so great, His knowledge so complete, and His power so unlimited that He can put us exactly where He wants us when He wants us to be there. When we concentrate on pleasing Him, He will open the doors.
Are you waiting for God to provide a mate? Maybe you are praying for a loved one to return to the Lord. Perhaps you are uncertain what God wants you to do in the future. Serve Him with all of your heart; and when the time is right, He will give you the direction or answer you need. And don’t be discouraged: God may take longer than you are used to waiting, but He’s never late.
Devotional by Dr. James A. Scudder