I just read a great analogy on God’s timing. I’m doing Priscilla Shirers’ study Discerning the Voice of God. In this lesson she points out how we’re often frustrated on God’s “delay” to answer our prayers.Often as we wait, God is in the process of orchestrating our circumstances and other people. In order for His plan to succeed certain things need to be in line.

Priscilla equates God to an air traffic controller and us to the pilot. Now the air traffic controller is not only responsible for us, he’s also looking at other planes in the air and those still on the ground.

We, the pilot, may be radioing in, ready to land, but the controller needs to make sure all other parties are in their place. If another aircraft is in our path when we land, the results can be catastrophic.

I don’t know about you but I’m the one who tends to worry about externals. Are we going to run out of fuel and other resources as we wait for the answer? I also think about my comfort level, like…I sure am hungry. If we could land now I’d be much more comfortable! Also my desire to be with loved ones may cause me rush in my actions.

This analogy is a great visual for me. It helps me take my eyes off myself and reminds me that just because God is silent doesn’t necessarily mean He’s not at work. He’s lining things up, getting them ready so He can give me the call and let me know it’s safe to land and move on with my journey.

Does this illustration resonate with any of you? Anyone else ever get impatient waiting on God?