Joyful Witness / Kimberly Pohovey

God’s timing—never early or late—is rooted in his will and his perfect plan

I had been in such knee pain for the past several years that I was actually looking forward to having my knee replaced. All I could think was that I would experience pain relief when I was on the other side of the surgery. What

I didn’t give much thought to

pre-surgery was the amount of pain I would endure while recovering.

My plan was to take two months off working in the office. However, I was sure after four weeks, I would be fine to work from home until I could return in-person to the office. So those were my plans. I quickly found out God’s plan included a different timetable.

In talking to friends and family who have had total knee replacements, I knew there was a wide range of recovery times. I, of course, thought I’d be in the “bounce back quickly” group. But the pain has been relentless.

As I write this, I am four-and-a-half weeks

post-surgery and still dealing with significant pain not only in my knee area, but the whole leg as well. I can’t imagine working again already. I still need medication to manage the pain, which makes me sleepy and unable to concentrate on tasks.

I’ve started to feel down because my plans aren’t going, well, according to my plan. I feel like I should be in less pain and have more mobility and stamina at this point. But God keeps reminding me that I will heal according to his timing, not mine.

While I can’t wait for the day when the pain subsides and I am more self-sufficient, I realize God sees the big picture and has plans that are far grander than anything I can envision. As I wait, I realize God is never early or late; he acts exactly when he is supposed to. It is not about our own timeline or desires. Instead, God’s timing is rooted in his will and perfect plan.

In the Second Letter to Peter, we read: “But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years—and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard ‘delay,’ but he is patient with you …”

(2 Pt 3:8-9).

So, I sit and I wait on the Lord. And I trust that he will relieve my pain when he deems the time has come.

Until then, I surrender to his will. And I take solace in these words: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Ps 27:14)

(Kimberly Pohovey is a member of St. Jude Parish in Indianapolis. She is the director of major and planned gifts for the archdiocese.) †