Reading Acts chapter 1 in The Passion Translation the other day I was struck by the beginning of verse 6 "Every time they were gathered together, they asked ..." ... "when are you going to boot the Romans out" (last bit my paraphase!). The words every time struck me - they could not get it out of their minds.

I wonder, did Jesus have thoughts similar to what He is recorded as saying in Matthew 17:17 "How much longer do I have to put up with this"! Horrified that I should consider such things? We have a High Priest ascended into heaven, He understands our weaknesses and has been tempted in every way (Hebrews 4:14-16) - Hallelujah!

In verse 8 we have Jesus' response summarised as His final words "The Father is the one who sets the fixed dates and the times for their fulfillment. You are not permitted to know the timing of all He has prepared by his own authority. But I promise you this ...".

"... the timing of all He has prepared ..." The assurance that there is a time and He has everything prepared!

That assurance is also spoken of in this quote from Rolland Baker of Iris Ministries I encountered the other day.

Our response to this ... should begin with the fear of the Lord, total humility, respect for His sovereignty, and a love for His eternal purposes and ways.
He is not subject to our own desires and plans, or our own prayers, declarations, and prophesies.
He is not intimidated by anyone, and is not in a desperate struggle with the enemy.
He is utterly capable of changing our minds and hearts through experience and circumstances.
He is able to look after his own reputation.
His kindness and severity are both triumphant. It is we who must change, not he.
The Kingdom functions under the government of God to the glory of God.
It is not under our control.
This world is completely at the mercy of God, which is precisely our hope and joy.

Later on I came across this which touches the same theme from a different angle (Anne Ballard - Our Hiding Place).

"If you bow low in God's awesome presence, He will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in His hands. Pour out all your worries and stress upon Him and leave them there, for He always tenderly cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7 TPT)

It can be challenging to trust God's timing with words that He's given us. To wait on the promises that He's made to us and remember that He meant what He said can feel frustrating and difficult at times. We can find ourselves taking matters into our own hands to rush the outcomes we want to see. When He gives us insight into the future, or shows us what's to come, He often doesn't give us the timeline, as He wants us to still be reliant on Him. It is His goodness that causes Him to reveal a portion of our future to us, but taking it step by step causes us to trust Him more. Knowing all the pieces could cause us to attempt to rise in our own strength and not rely on Him.

Isaiah 26v8 "Yes, Lord, walking in the ways of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts."