Of all my friends, I was the last one to get married. As a matter of fact, I got married three years after the last one. While I waited for God to lead me to the right man in my life, my friends had started having children almost immediately after their wedding. Of course, that is expected of anyone; fruitfulness in marriage and the speed at which it comes immediately after you’re married will determine the intensity of joy, smiles and approvals the woman gets from her family. And what can I say? All my friends were blessed in this area, and I was indeed happy for them.
Meanwhile, I was facing my own challenge while waiting. I received all sorts of taunting on how my mates were married with children while I chose to remain an “old spinster” in my father’s house (as if husbands were plucked from trees like fruits). The person saying all these things to me seemed to forget that although life is a race, in God’s plan it definitely is not to the swift.
I almost allowed those negative words push me to depression, but thank God for His word. I found encouragement in the word of God, and I stayed focused. Finally, I got married (to a wonderful man). One hurdle crossed. If this were an actual race, then I was fast catching up behind my presumed competitors. At least I could now be called “Mrs” just like the others. The next hurdle was having babies. If you have been a faithful reader of Effectual, you would have read about my testimonies on how God gave me two beautiful children in the space of a year and half within two years of marriage. Now where am I going to with this?
When the Bible says that the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong… but time and chance happen to them all (Eccl.9 vs11); it simply means that, in the world’s system, the race is always to the swift and battle to the strong, but in the kingdom of God, the race and the battle is to those who have chosen to align themselves with God and trust Him enough to get them to their destination happy and fulfilled.
Jeremiah 29 vs 11 was and still is my mantra in life. Years ago, at age 29, I was referred to as an “old spinster” that would marry at old age and may be too old to have children. But today, God has not only changed my name to Beulah but He has added “joyful mother of children” to it. They that thought I was slow and laid back have seen God place me on the same platform as those who were seemingly ahead of me. Indeed I enjoyed divine speed by trusting in God’s perfect plan for my life.
Does it seem like things are too slow? Do you feel like life is passing you by and still, the babies are slow in coming? My only encouragement to you is that you should get into God’s word. He has a whole lot of promises for you on your heart’s desire. Trust in His promises and let your anchor be in Christ Jesus. Sit back, fasten your seatbelt and get ready to be divinely catapulted to your destination of fulfillment. You are never too late in God’s plan.