Taking Time, Making Time

God makes everything happen at the right time. Yet none of us can ever fully understand all he has done, and he puts questions in our minds about the past and the future.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (CEV)

You’re only going to be here a year, so don’t get attached. Actually, don’t even bother making friends. You can’t be there for the whole season, so why even try out for the team? The house needs work, but you’re not going to be around long enough to make a difference, so just live with it.

In many ways we struggle with how to use our time as a Military family. If you know you’re only going to be there a few months, why even make friends, practice a sport, or work for change?

The trouble is, waiting for the next best thing really takes the “life” out of “living!” While we wait for the perfect time to do things, we miss so many possible blessings along the way.

In Ecclesiastes, the writer wrestles with how life feels pointless sometimes. But he realizes it is still best to do things with all your strength, use your time wisely, and see how God works. In today’s Scripture passage, he talks about how God gives time for everything and brings them to completion at the exact, perfect moment.

Whatever doubts you have, you can trust God to use your time for his great plan. Every day, every moment is part of something great that he is doing in your life. So live it to the fullest!

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

Right now, you are where you are for a mighty purpose. What would you like to do while you are at this duty station? How can you make this place better? How can you pray for the people here? Write some of your ideas on some paper or in a journal. Then ask God to help you do these things.

INSPIRATION

“Lost time is never found again.”

—James H. Aughey, a minister during the Civil War who was imprisoned and abused for speaking out against the Confederacy

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Psalm 31:15

Psalm 90:12

Matthew 24:42

John 9:4

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This devotional was written by Tonia Gutting for the Hero Squad Program of the American Bible Society. Hero Squad provides complimentary faith-based resources to strengthen and encourage Military families through God’s Word. For more information or to enroll your Military family, check out our website.www.myherosquad.org.