When You Feel Behind Everyone Else
Nightly Prayer Devotional
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:3
SOMETHING TO PONDER
There’s a certain kind of ache felt when someone’s life looks a lot like the one you dreamed. Maybe it’s the recent baby announcement or the job change you heard about. Perhaps you’ve witnessed an acquaintance have incredible success in a field where you’re still knocking on doors. Has a season of life come to a close, and you’re struggling with a new role? Indeed, the ache of waiting is a real thing.
Our verse tonight reminds us that the right revelation will come in the appointed time. It’s easy to get frustrated when things aren’t happening according to our own timelines. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that there is a time and season for everything. Instead of keeping our eyes locked on our timelines and not-yets, what if we refocused our eyes on the Creator?
The hardest part about being in a season of waiting is…everything! Really, it’s hard to wait. It feels like nothing is in your control, and often, the time feels wasted. It’s hard to surrender control and let go of expectations of the outcome. But what if we reframe our idea of waiting?
Waiting is life. I’m pretty sure there won’t be a season where I’m not waiting for something. Could we see waiting as a time of preparation? What if we approach the season we’re in with abundant gratitude? Is the wait God’s way of pure kindness? God loves us way too much to give us something we are not fully ready for. In fact, it would be unloving or even cruel to allow us the thing in which we crave but cannot handle the reality of our ask.
Tonight, let’s refocus our eyes on a good, good God who is love and is operating solely out of love for you. What is for you is coming; it will not linger or delay. You do not have to manipulate or control anyone or anything to get the blessings our Creator has in store for you. During this season, lean in to the One who holds the plan. Go after His heart, not just the timeline. When you start to feel anxious, recall this verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Pray.
Praise.
Experience His peace!
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Father,
I trust in your goodness and plan for my life. I let go of the outcome I have in my head and heart and surrender to what you desire for me. Your way is always better than what I can ask or imagine. When anxiety starts to take over, help me to remember to come to you in prayer, to praise you for your goodness and love, and to allow your peace to take over. Be with me in the wait and show me your heart.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE ON
Check in with your heart. What are you waiting for or on?
It would be unloving or cruel for God to give you something or someone who you weren't fully ready for. How can you let go of your personal time timeline and trust in His plan?
Do you have any anxiety over what you cannot control? Pray and praise Him in your own words.
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
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