It was a game for the ages. The temperature hung just below freezing and the snow had been falling steadily for hours. Fans hunkered under stadium blankets as plumes of breath hovered about their heads. It was my son’s first Army-Navy game, I was sure it was one he would never forget. The young men of both team fought hard, and the lead changed several times, sending both the Brigade of Midshipmen and Corps of Cadets on an emotional roller coaster ride!

As is so often the case in these games, it came down to the wire. Army had a one-point lead late in the fourth, but Navy was steadily moving down the gridiron and was very nearly in field goal range. Then, the unthinkable happened. The offensive line moved early and the whistle blew – “offsides!” The normally disciplined and rarely penalized Navy team had slipped. Precious yards were rolled back and team lined up for another try. Prior to the snap – another offsides penalty! The lineman had failed to keep his eye on the ball, and had moved before the center did. Navy’s field goal chances were sunk, and the Army side of the stadium erupted in jubilation.

How often has this been a picture of my spiritual life? I have been so eager to move forward that I do not look for God’s timing. I become frustrated with what I perceive to be a slow pace, and I “take matters into my own hands.” How does this end? The same way it did for Navy, unfortunately!

God’s timing is perfect, and often differs from our own. We see numerous examples in scripture where God’s people chose to move forward despite clear evidence that they should wait. It never ends well. Certainly, when God says “go,” we must go, trusting in his power and provision. We need to be daily seeking his guidance, though, as his plans do not always coincide with our own. Prayer, study of scripture, and the counsel of fellow believers are wonderful blessings in this regard. A good lineman may not be always moving, but he is always preparing, in a position of readiness for when the right time comes.