Are You Trusting God’s Timing?

There are some things that we must wait for in life. Asking God to answer our prayers for our marriages can be one of those times where He teaches us to wait. And oddly enough, this reminds me of baking a cake.

I can mix together all the right ingredients …

1 yielded heart
A cup full of requests
1 powerful God

But it’s not ready until I wait for it to “bake in the oven.”

If I try to stir it more, or add more ingredients, or take it out to “check on the progress,” I’m either delaying or interfering with the process it must go through.

I can’t speed up the “baking” time by my efforts. I can pass the time by doing other positive tasks or I can take the time to just “rest” while I wait on my delicious dessert to bake, but I can’t hurry the process along. That’s because …

… the time is set by God.

Is there some situation where you’re not trusting in God’s timing?

Do you feel like you need to “do something more” to speed up God’s answer?

I have many areas of my life where I feel this way, but we can rest assured that God is at work even when we don’t see the progress. He is powerful enough to redeem our situation and loving enough to provide for our needs.

Since this post is about baking a cake, I thought I’d share my husband’s favorite recipe, it’s a tangy, moist Lemon Cake. Click here and you’ll find the recipe! Enjoy!

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Joining with NOBH, Works for Me Wednesday and To Love Honor and Vacuum

WW rules:

Write in any way you feel inspired about marriage, parenthood or anything that reflects Christ’s redemption in your life.
Be sure to include a link to Wedded Wednesday or add the WW button to your current blog post and/or sidebar.
Visit and comment on at least one other person’s blog that’s linked up here.

Optional but encouraged:

Consider setting up your Gravatar profile and Disqus Profile with a link to your blog … it makes it so much easier for all of us to find those of you who blog!
If you have the time, visit those who visit your blog and comment at their place as well … sort of a “Say it forward.”

BethSteffaniak

April 17, 2013

Acceptance, Christ-Centered, God’s Redemption, Love of God, Patience, Prayer, Wedded Wednesday

49 responses to “Are You Trusting God’s Timing?”

Becky Kopitzke

April 17, 2013 at 2:29 am

I needed this today, Beth. Thank you. Great analogy. I will keep it close at hand. And I do love a good cake recipe, too, thank you

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Becky Kopitzke

April 17, 2013 at 2:29 am

I needed this today, Beth. Thank you. Great analogy. I will keep it close at hand. And I do love a good cake recipe, too, thank you

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Becky Kopitzke

April 17, 2013 at 2:32 am

I needed this today, Beth. Thank you. Great analogy. I will keep it close at hand. And I do love a good cake recipe, too, thank you!

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  April 17, 2013 at 6:50 pm
  
  Thanks for your encouragement and sweet words, Becky! And the next time you bake that cake, you can remember how God is working on whatever you’re waiting on Him to do!
  
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Becky Kopitzke

April 17, 2013 at 2:32 am

I needed this today, Beth. Thank you. Great analogy. I will keep it close at hand. And I do love a good cake recipe, too, thank you!

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Megan@DoNotDisturb

April 17, 2013 at 11:47 am

I am currently in a season of waiting and it can be oh so painful at times. I am continuing to learn that I can bow this time of waiting as an act of worship. Thanks for sharing!

Megan

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  April 17, 2013 at 6:52 pm
  
  Me too, Megan. Actually my “waiting” for the most part is not with my husband but with one of my sons. God’s already been good, though, to show me signs of growth and hope in just a couple of days time! Thanks for linking up and stopping by to encourage me too. 🙂
  
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Ngina Otiende

April 17, 2013 at 1:04 pm

Wow Beth, what an analogy! Takes the point deep down to the heart. I have a couple of areas am waiting on. I think I’ve been waiting by the oven, tapping my toe, peering inside, checking my watch, wondering when the the “cake” will get done. So it gets really stressful in the kitchen! Thanks for this reminder to find “other positive tasks or take the time to just “rest””. Amen!

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  April 17, 2013 at 6:53 pm
  
  Yes, I can think of several areas where I am waiting on God and I have this tendency to think I should be the one bringing about the necessary changes and He keeps reminding me … He’s got this! When will I ever learn? Thanks for your kind words and friendship, NginaI I really appreciate you and your heart!
  
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Ngina Otiende

April 17, 2013 at 1:04 pm

Wow Beth, what an analogy! Takes the point deep down to the heart. I have a couple of areas am waiting on. I think I’ve been waiting by the oven, tapping my toe, peering inside, checking my watch, wondering when the the “cake” will get done. So it gets really stressful in the kitchen! Thanks for this reminder to find “other positive tasks or take the time to just “rest””. Amen!

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Gaye @ CalmHealthySexy

April 17, 2013 at 1:39 pm

“Take it out to ‘check on the progress’ ” – oops, yeah, guilty of that one! It’s kind of like, “Yes, I trust you, God, but I’m just checking to see what kind of progress You’re making!” I really have a hard time letting go of things I have supposedly given over to His timing. Thanks for this gentle encouragement to trust Him more.

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  April 17, 2013 at 6:55 pm
  
  I have a hard time letting go too, Gaye. This analogy came from one of those “thinking” sessions you’ve written about today! 🙂 And I think it was a thought that came directly from God. He’s trying to get my attention or something, I think! haha! Thanks for your sweet friendship and encouragement!
  
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Gaye @ CalmHealthySexy

April 17, 2013 at 1:39 pm

“Take it out to ‘check on the progress’ ” – oops, yeah, guilty of that one! It’s kind of like, “Yes, I trust you, God, but I’m just checking to see what kind of progress You’re making!” I really have a hard time letting go of things I have supposedly given over to His timing. Thanks for this gentle encouragement to trust Him more.

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bluecottonmemory

April 17, 2013 at 1:43 pm

LOVE THIS! – In 2009, when I started blogging, my first few posts wre my relationship “lectures” for one of my teens – “Your a Cake” was one of them – and it is so true:) While mine is about being ready for relationships – your is so true in my life – the process of waiting – and God does not disappoint – learning to live during the baking process is part of the journey. You brightened my morning:)

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  April 17, 2013 at 6:56 pm
  
  I bet that would be a great analogy for our teens. There’s so much that only God can do in their hearts at that crucial time. I’m so glad you felt encouraged by this post. And I hope you like the cake recipe too, my friend!
  
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bluecottonmemory

April 17, 2013 at 1:43 pm

LOVE THIS! – In 2009, when I started blogging, my first few posts wre my relationship “lectures” for one of my teens – “Your a Cake” was one of them – and it is so true:) While mine is about being ready for relationships – your is so true in my life – the process of waiting – and God does not disappoint – learning to live during the baking process is part of the journey. You brightened my morning:)

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Amy @ Out on a Limb

April 17, 2013 at 2:51 pm

We are along similar lines again — no post for me today, but my Monday fits your Wednesday, so I added it to your link-up.

It’s so hard to wait. I want not only definite timing, but a map, a blueprint, a script (mainly for the person(s) in the situation, of course), and a carrot dangling to lure me in the exact direction I need to go.

God knows our hearts, and he know exactly how long to make us wait. Our impatience doesn’t foil his plan, but it certainly does prolong our own agony.

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  April 17, 2013 at 6:58 pm
  
  Yes, impatience always feels like the right thing to “feel” but it really short-circuits the good God wants to do as we wait. Thanks so much for linking up and coming by to encourage me, Amy. I think it must be true that “Great minds …” 😉
  
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Amy @ Out on a Limb

April 17, 2013 at 2:51 pm

We are along similar lines again — no post for me today, but my Monday fits your Wednesday, so I added it to your link-up. It’s so hard to wait. I want not only definite timing, but a map, a blueprint, a script (mainly for the person(s) in the situation, of course), and a carrot dangling to lure me in the exact direction I need to go.God knows our hearts, and he know exactly how long to make us wait. Our impatience doesn’t foil his plan, but it certainly does prolong our own agony.

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tanya @ truthinweakness

April 17, 2013 at 4:15 pm

you always have the best insights, beth. what an incredible analogy. such a great reminder that my trying to speed up God’s work will only take the sweetness out of it, not sweeten it up sooner like i can tend to think. those attempts don’t allow the beauty to rise, as intended, but simply flop.

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  April 17, 2013 at 7:00 pm
  
  Oooh, I love that statement – “beauty to rise.” That certainly captures what the baking of a cake and the waiting on God does in our hearts. Thanks so much for adding to the discussion and being a “sweet” encouragement to me today, Tanya!
  
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tanya @ truthinweakness

April 17, 2013 at 4:15 pm

you always have the best insights, beth. what an incredible analogy. such a great reminder that my trying to speed up God’s work will only take the sweetness out of it, not sweeten it up sooner like i can tend to think. those attempts don’t allow the beauty to rise, as intended, but simply flop.

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Alicia Bruxvoort

April 17, 2013 at 5:13 pm

Beth, this is so timely… I’m waiting on God to fulfill a promise He made to our family eight years ago. I was sure when He gave me the Word it was meant for NOW.. and still we wait and trust that He’s at work even in the dark. Faith says the wait will be worth it!

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  April 17, 2013 at 7:02 pm
  
  I’m so glad it’s encouraging you, Alicia. I’ll pray along with you (no need to know exactly what it is, since God knows) for this long-awaited request in your life. I’m certain the wait will be worth it too, my friend!
  
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Alicia Bruxvoort

April 17, 2013 at 5:13 pm

Beth, this is so timely… I’m waiting on God to fulfill a promise He made to our family eight years ago. I was sure when He gave me the Word it was meant for NOW.. and still we wait and trust that He’s at work even in the dark. Faith says the wait will be worth it!

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Beth Steffaniak

April 17, 2013 at 6:50 pm

Thanks for your encouragement and sweet words, Becky! And the next time you bake that cake, you can remember how God is working on whatever you’re waiting on Him to do!

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Beth Steffaniak

April 17, 2013 at 6:52 pm

Me too, Megan. Actually my “waiting” for the most part is not with my husband but with one of my sons. God’s already been good, though, to show me signs of growth and hope in just a couple of days time! Thanks for linking up and stopping by to encourage me too. 🙂

LikeLike

Beth Steffaniak

April 17, 2013 at 6:53 pm

Yes, I can think of several areas where I am waiting on God and I have this tendency to think I should be the one bringing about the necessary changes and He keeps reminding me … He’s got this! When will I ever learn? Thanks for your kind words and friendship, NginaI I really appreciate you and your heart!

LikeLike

Beth Steffaniak

April 17, 2013 at 6:55 pm

I have a hard time letting go too, Gaye. This analogy came from one of those “thinking” sessions you’ve written about today! 🙂 And I think it was a thought that came directly from God. He’s trying to get my attention or something, I think! haha! Thanks for your sweet friendship and encouragement!

LikeLike

Beth Steffaniak

April 17, 2013 at 6:56 pm

I bet that would be a great analogy for our teens. There’s so much that only God can do in their hearts at that crucial time. I’m so glad you felt encouraged by this post. And I hope you like the cake recipe too, my friend!

LikeLike

Beth Steffaniak

April 17, 2013 at 6:58 pm

Yes, impatience always feels like the right thing to “feel” but it really short-circuits the good God wants to do as we wait. Thanks so much for linking up and coming by to encourage me, Amy. I think it must be true that “Great minds …” 😉

LikeLike

Beth Steffaniak

April 17, 2013 at 7:00 pm

Oooh, I love that statement – “beauty to rise.” That certainly captures what the baking of a cake and the waiting on God does in our hearts. Thanks so much for adding to the discussion and being a “sweet” encouragement to me today, Tanya!

LikeLike

Beth Steffaniak

April 17, 2013 at 7:02 pm

I’m so glad it’s encouraging you, Alicia. I’ll pray along with you (no need to know exactly what it is, since God knows) for this long-awaited request in your life. I’m certain the wait will be worth it too, my friend!

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Beth Steffaniak

April 18, 2013 at 2:21 am

I really like that C.S. Lewis quote! He really was such a deep thinking and amazing writer. Yes, I agree, Kelli. This whole life is about “waiting.” I was saying that to another blogger today. I have so many areas of my life where I’m waiting. And even if one area breaks through, I find another area where I need to wait again. I suppose it is the longing God wants us to ultimately have for Him. Thanks so much for your constant encouragement in my life! We really do need to meet half-way someday for a bite to eat and some great “face-to-face” conversation! 🙂

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Beth Steffaniak

April 18, 2013 at 2:21 am

I really like that C.S. Lewis quote! He really was such a deep thinking and amazing writer. Yes, I agree, Kelli. This whole life is about “waiting.” I was saying that to another blogger today. I have so many areas of my life where I’m waiting. And even if one area breaks through, I find another area where I need to wait again. I suppose it is the longing God wants us to ultimately have for Him. Thanks so much for your constant encouragement in my life! We really do need to meet half-way someday for a bite to eat and some great “face-to-face” conversation! 🙂

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Dan Black

April 18, 2013 at 5:11 am

What a great reminder. I tend to have a hard time waiting for anything. However, God has really taught me the importance of being patient and waiting for His time.

Looking forward to reading your blog posts.

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  April 18, 2013 at 10:22 pm
  
  I really appreciate you taking the time to swing by, Dan. Thanks for your encouraging words as well. I’m glad I came by your blog via Ngina’s post. I’ll have to stay in touch!
  
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  1. Dan Black
    
    April 19, 2013 at 5:45 am
    
    Your welcome. Glad I did. Yes, let’s keep in touch.
    
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Dan Black

April 18, 2013 at 5:11 am

What a great reminder. I tend to have a hard time waiting for anything. However, God has really taught me the importance of being patient and waiting for His time. Looking forward to reading your blog posts.

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Beth Steffaniak

April 18, 2013 at 10:22 pm

I really appreciate you taking the time to swing by, Dan. Thanks for your encouraging words as well. I’m glad I came by your blog via Ngina’s post. I’ll have to stay in touch!

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nami scribbles

April 19, 2013 at 2:56 am

Hey, I found you from the one minute Bible love notes blog. I really can relate to what you are saying. So many times we think of “time” as our enemy, when in fact, so many times God has proven us wrong.
Thanks for hosting the link up, too! (I linked up my last week’s post, the rear view mirror…)
God bless you!
nami at namiscribbles.blogspot.com

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  April 19, 2013 at 7:50 pm
  
  I’m so glad you found me, Nami. I really liked your blog post. Thanks for sharing it with all of us here. 🙂
  
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nami scribbles

April 19, 2013 at 2:56 am

Hey, I found you from the one minute Bible love notes blog. I really can relate to what you are saying. So many times we think of “time” as our enemy, when in fact, so many times God has proven us wrong. Thanks for hosting the link up, too! (I linked up my last week’s post, the rear view mirror…)God bless you!nami at namiscribbles.blogspot.com

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OutnumberedMom

April 19, 2013 at 4:59 pm

My favorite sentence here: “He is powerful enough to redeem our situation and loving enough to provide for our needs.” That says it all! Thanks for the reminder, Beth.

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  April 19, 2013 at 7:51 pm
  
  Yeah, I needed that reminder as I wrote it too. 🙂 Sometimes I doubt His goodness. But He’s never let me down, so I don’t know why I do! Thankfully He’s patient with me even in my doubts. Thanks so much for coming by, Laura Lee. I love seeing your smiling face here, my friend!
  
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OutnumberedMom

April 19, 2013 at 4:59 pm

My favorite sentence here: “He is powerful enough to redeem our situation and loving enough to provide for our needs.” That says it all! Thanks for the reminder, Beth.

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Beth Steffaniak

April 19, 2013 at 7:50 pm

I’m so glad you found me, Nami. I really liked your blog post. Thanks for sharing it with all of us here. 🙂

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Beth Steffaniak

April 19, 2013 at 7:51 pm

Yeah, I needed that reminder as I wrote it too. 🙂 Sometimes I doubt His goodness. But He’s never let me down, so I don’t know why I do! Thankfully He’s patient with me even in my doubts. Thanks so much for coming by, Laura Lee. I love seeing your smiling face here, my friend!

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