By Kendall Lowe

Our culture is one of instant gratification. Dozens of weight loss and muscle building programs revolve around the premise, “Get results NOW.” I personally tend to give up on myself quickly if I don’t see results in the time I expected. Because our culture is telling us that we can get instant results for our efforts, they are constantly having to do more and more to feed us with the results that we desire.

Sadly, this mentality too easily bleeds over into our Christian lifestyle; particularly with our view of God. We understand when scripture says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up” (1 Peter 5:6). We know that as followers of God we cannot expect to treat Him like a vending machine. We know that we must deny ourselves and He will reward us. However, often we fail to see the words at the end of this promise. “…in due time.”

What does this mean? As soon as possible? As soon as He can? We agree to humble ourselves to God, but we might have trouble with the timing of this promise. “In due time” means God’s time, not ours. That is so frustrating to us, not because we know that it will take a while, but because we simply don’t know. We can’t know God’s timing. That’s why Peter follows this promise with these words: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Peter says humble yourself, and then don’t worry. His help will come at just the right time.