A strange thing about time is not everyone considers timing in the same light. There are those who are said to be “behind the times” while others are considered so forward thinking they are “ahead of their time”. How much more so do we need to consider this in relation to God. There is so much we do not know about the mind of God. His thinking and wisdom are much higher than ours! (i.e. Isaiah 55:8-9; 1 Corinthians 1:25) However, knowing God looks at all of life from a vantage point beyond our grasp, are we learning to trust Him and His timing? Knowing the things He made known were coming ages before they occurred should remind us He remains fully able to bring to complete fruition all He has said! Nevertheless, it will be in His time, so be patient and trust.
In Psalm 119 we find some words which bring to mind some interesting thoughts where we read. . .
“(126) It is time for the Lord to act, for your law has been broken.” (Psalm 119:126 ESV)
The New Living Translation reads. . .
“(126) Lord, it is time for you to act, for these evil people have violated your instructions.” (NLT)
To me this brings to my mind thoughts like: “God, do you not see what is going on down here?”, “God, it’s bad enough the world rejects you, but don’t you see how even some of your own are rebelling against and not upholding your Word?”, “God, hasn’t the world had enough of a chance? Things aren’t getting any better!”, “God, don’t you care?”, Etc.
The time for God to act! Is that my determination or His? Do I really think He is unaware of what is going on throughout this realm? Though I might declare such a statement, how personally ready am I for His time to act? As I soberly consider my own relationship with God, I would also acknowledge the truth many are not ready for His time to act and so I ought to be patient regarding the patience of God.
Remember Peter’s exhortation. . .
“(8) But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (9) The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (10) But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.” (2 Peter 3:8-10 ESV)
It may continue to be wondered as to where is the promise of the Lord’s coming. (2 Peter 3:4) It may be noted that many have died in the waiting since the creation of the world. (2 Peter 3:5) However, as God’s perspective of time and timing is according to His Wisdom and not ours, we need to trust His timing to be both a blessing and to be absolutely on target! God has set a day for judgment (Acts 17:31), and when that time comes, it will be! For now, He continues to graciously and patiently provide further opportunity for repentance and surrender to His Sovereign Will!
As we look around us — even at things going “from bad to worse” (2 Timothy 3:13) — rather than seeing God as inactive, let us acknowledge the action of His patience toward lost souls. However, let us not allow that present reality to be interpreted as having plenty of time, because the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:2) Remaining prepared ourselves, let us pray for those around us to do likewise! Watching the movement of the hands of time tick by, may we trustingly accept time in God’s hands!
Have a great day SURRENDERED IN TIME TO GOD’S SOVEREIGN TIMING!
Carl
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(“teEn-MAIL” is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area.)
