God’s Sovereign Timetable

Sunday, August 23

James 3:16 (NKJV) 

“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”

Devotion

God is the ruler and Master of our times. It is He who ordains our precise seasons and appointments. We should not ever compare ourselves to what He is doing in other people’s lives.

Have you ever felt discontented when you should be happy because of someone else’s success? I’m sure every one of us has had such feelings. It may be a good reminder that if we stay in that mindset, we are bringing chaos and evil into our own lives. God warns us not to condemn us, but to elevate us from the pitfall of jealousy and strife that will eventually cripple us.

So often, we feel this way when we are comparing our lives to others’ or, worse yet, to the platform selectively placed on social media. When we focus outside of our own lives, we lose perspective of what God is doing in our personal growth, and we feel diminished in our value that Christ paid dearly for. We must bring our insecurities and fears to Him and continually seek to be filled with His Holy Spirit so we don’t fall into carnal thinking.

It is good to use the oil of love, through humility, to bring healing where there is friction. Practice good sportsmanship. Celebrate the wins of life with others, even if you do not yet see them in your own life. Be gracious; look to others as more important than yourself. God has designed a perfect timetable for each one of us. Let’s show Him thanks by spreading that love to one another.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I ask to see my life through Your eyes. You created a specific, customized plan for my life—plans to prosper me, to build a future, and that which fits into Your blueprint. You did all this when I was fearfully and wonderfully made by You. I am so grateful. Help me to understand Your timeline, to be patient, and to wait for You because all Your ways are perfect. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Grow in the discipline to consciously focus on Jesus and what He is doing in your life. When our eyes stray and we make comparisons to others, we give room for jealousy and envy to take root. Instead, embrace that Jesus created you with a particular timeline and purpose. Read Ecclesiastes 8:5–6 and Isaiah 60:22. This process cannot be rushed. A rose will blossom in its own time.

Resources

• Sunday is here! Make plans to join us this morning for worship at a Free Chapel campus near you or online. Come ready to encounter God and be encouraged in His presence! Visit freechapel.org for campus locations.

• Take the next step in your faith journey by signing up for School of Discipleship. Grow in your knowledge of God, strengthen your faith, and learn to live out His Word. Don’t just believe—go deeper!