Moses was a prince in Egypt but he was impatient and used the wrong method to deliver his fellow men. He fled from Egypt into the wilderness of Midian. There, God prepared and taught Moses that He is in control, and Moses learnt how to wait on Him. The period of Moses’ learning lasted 40 years.

1. God’s timing is to prepare us (Exod 2:16-19)

God wanted to use Moses to deliver God's people, but Moses was not ready yet. Exodus 2:16-17 tells us that in Midian Moses helped the daughters of Reuel (the priest of Midian). This was a small lesson for Moses. We too have to learn to serve in small ways first, for God knows that we are not ready to serve in a big way yet. For Moses, it was far more difficult to lead 2 million people out of Egypt than to deliver the daughters of Reuel, but both tasks were equally important. We are not to despise God's work even when He calls us to shine for Him like a little candle in the corner.

2. God’s timing is to teach us humility (Exod 2:20-22)

Moses named his son Gershom, which means stranger or sojourner. Through the naming of his son, we see that Moses accepted God’s position and place for him. God was teaching Moses humility. Today, the cause of many problems in the church is pride. Some preachers think that the ministry cannot do without them. Many young people think that they are very smart based on their education, but they may not be wise in God's Word. The aged men may rely on their experience to guide them. It is good to use personal testimonies to reinforce the doctrines of God, but do not be self-conceited to think that our experiences trump God's Word. Do we see how God is humbling us so that He can use us for His purpose?

3. God’s timing is according to His purpose (Exod 2:23-25)

Our trust must be in the Lord’s purpose and timing. God works above and beyond man. God has His perfect timing, even in the timing of a change of administration. When Exodus 2:24 says that God “remembered” His covenant with Israel, it does not mean that God has forgotten. It means that He was ready to take action.

When we trust in the Lord's timing, we will be very sensitive to His actions and purposes. Wait and see how God’s purposes are fulfilled. Let us not wait restlessly but in faith.