Jesus Among Us: Walking With Him in His Ministry and MiraclesSample

A Different Kind of Clock

Timing is everything, and, according to Ecclesiastes 3:1, there is a season for everything, “a time for every activity under heaven” (NLT). We can’t rush time; we can only accept it.

Jesus was willing to wait for God’s schedule. His brothers wanted Him to go to the annual Festival of Shelters (also referred to as the Feast of Booths), but the religious leaders in Judea wanted to kill Him. That’s a pretty good reason not to go to the festival! Jesus knew it wasn’t the right moment to face the leaders. It would have interfered with God’s overall plan.

We tend to let the clock of this world dictate our schedules and expectations. We want life to happen when we want it to happen. We want progress right away, whether it’s a type of change, success, or a happy relationship. But we can’t force any of those things to occur. Instead, we have to take them as they come. We have to accept the reality that some things take time, we will be stuck in some seasons longer than others, and all seasons come and go.

It’s the same with our spiritual walk. We can’t rush it. We can’t sit there watch­ing the clock, so to speak, or we’ll miss what God is doing with us now. It’s essential to trust His timing. We will be ready to progress when He says we’re ready. We will be stronger some days than others, closer to God some days than others. But as we grow, we will develop a deeper relationship with Him. So grasp hold of each season of your life and live it the best you can, knowing that, at some point, that season will come to an end and a new one will greet you.

How would you describe your current season of life in general? How would you describe your current spiritual season?

Do you find it difficult to wait for God’s timing? Why or why not? How does a seasonal approach to life give you hope for tomorrow?

Jesus, You Yourself had to trust in Your Father’s timing and plan. Help me to trust not only Your will but also Your perfect timing. Give me patience for the many seasons in my life. Grant me an eternal perspective for my walk with You. In Your name, amen.