Impatience!  Procrastination!  These are two very different ways to approach a problem or a need.
Are you impatient and wanting to get everything done…like yesterday?
Perhaps you are a person who drags their feet…finding “reasons” to put off until tomorrow what you should do today.

Waiting on God’s timing for a solution to a problem or a need is another approach entirely.  With this “mind set,” a person is ready to proceed or to wait.

Paul’s travel itinerary was ambitious at times, and at times he remained in one city for a long time.  He remained in Corinth for a year and a half…teaching the word of God among the citizens of that city.  (Acts 18:11)

Opposition to God’s truths did occur but that didn’t intimidate Paul to move on quickly.  He remained in Corinth “many days longer.”  When Paul did leave Priscilla and Aquila, friends he had made, traveled with him as he sailed to Syria.

When they arrived in Cenchrea, Paul cut his hair because a vow he had taken was completed.  We are not told the reason he took the vow, but we know that it had a time limit on it.  (Acts 18:18)

Then they traveled on to Ephesus. Paul went to the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.  They were interested in what Paul said and wanted him to stay.  But this time, Paul said “no” but “I will return to you again if God wills.”  Aquila and Priscilla stayed in Ephesus.  (Acts 18:19-21)

Did you notice that God’s timetable for Paul was different from Aquila and Priscilla?  When our paths cross with others, it doesn’t mean changing direction from God’s timetable.

Paul sailed to Caesarea and stopped by the church in Jerusalem.  Then he traveled to Antioch, his home base, for a time of rest and refreshment.  (Acts 18:22)

Sailing was not easy, by today’s standards it must have been uncomfortable, time consuming and basic.  Traveling on land; was probably done by walking.  There was always the danger of bad weather, robbers and difficult roads.  Paul continued on God’s timetable, during his long ministry, whether putting out to sea or walking the roads to his destinations.  Paul traveled according to God’s timetable for him.

When you travel, what do you complain about or “put up with”?  What is your motive for traveling?  Pleasure, sight-seeing, or the people you travel with and meet on the way?  Paul was vitally interested in others knowing His Savior, Jesus Christ.  What is of vital interest to you?

What timetable does the Lord have you on this summer?  Is it God’s timetable for you or have you insisted on your timing, your desires, your wants to be satisfied?