02.18.03

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. - Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.’ - Mark 1:15.

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. - 2 Peter 3:8.

While a piano tuner was at our home recently he noticed something that I had not. We have a small plaque with a clock mounted in it. Our church gave us the plaque several years ago on our 25th wedding anniversary. The plaque is engraved with the words, “God’s timing is perfect.” The piano tuner (Bob Pankhurst) noticed that the clock was stopped (Because it makes a noise that is mildly irritating I have taken the battery out of the clock.). Bob shared that the clock being at a different time seemed to be appropriate because God’s timing differs so often from our timing. How true!

We are not the only ones who have had difficulties with God’s timing. Abraham and Sarah had a few problems with God’s timetable. They thought that surely the son of promise would be born to them before they were 100 and 90 years old respectively. Because of that they tried to help God out which only caused more problems.

Moses too had a timing problem. He wanted to lead the Egyptian people to freedom when he was forty years old but it was not yet time. His hurry caused him to commit murder, cover-up, and brought about his self-imposed exile. Forty years later on the backside of the desert Moses had a crisis of faith, as God said now is the time. Moses did not want to go but after his excuses were taken away he believed and became the great man of God that he was intended to be.

The disciples and the people of the first century also had a problem with God’s timing. The Jewish people were looking for a ruler like David or Samson to be sent by God to break the yoke of oppressive rule that was upon them. They were looking for a physical kingdom but God was establishing a spiritual kingdom. The physical kingdom will come but it is not yet time. The difference in the people’s view and God’s view of the timing resulted again in problems for those out of step with God. We see this being manifested with Peter cutting off the high priest’s servant’s ear at the time of the arrest of Jesus (John 18:10). But Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me? (Luke 18:11).”

We must learn, as have Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Peter and so many others to trust God. Trust in His timing. Trust that He truly does know what is best for our lives. You may know that God has called you to an area of service but you have frustration because it has not yet come about. Trust Him. If God has spoken and you are faithful it will happen but in His time. Until then it is a time of preparation. God prepared Abraham and Sarah for parenthood. God prepared and trained Moses to lead millions of people across a wilderness for forty years. God allowed Peter to experience the results of his flawed timing which resulted in his thrice denial of his Lord. But as a result after the resurrected Christ restored Peter he became the great preacher of Pentecost.

God’s timing is perfect and it is wonderful when our timing is in synch with His. So, what time is it in your life?