Timing is Critical

“…the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” Galatians 6:8-9.

It was all Zechariah and Elizabeth could pray about…all they could talk about…all they would lie in bed at night and think about. Why? What had they done to lose favor with God? Why are others getting pregnant while she remained barren? Thoughts must have swirled in their heads of how less righteous people were being blessed with children. They must have lifted prayers of repentance, not even being able to identify any sin but trying to ‘cover the bases.’ And then…one day late in their life when they least expected it…favor was granted…prayers were answered…miracles were revealed. They were expecting a baby, not just any baby but the life who would proclaim the coming of the Messiah! Only God knew how the timing had been critical. The prayers could not be answered in their younger lives for God knew the appointed time He would send His son. Thank God that this faithful couple didn’t fall away from the Lord out of bitterness and despair. Thank God that they continued to walk in the righteousness of God regardless of the outcome of their prayers. Thank God they trusted Him for ‘the proper time’ instead of taking matters into their own hands.

Why are you weary this morning? What prayer echoes from your lips daily and what dream has yet to be realized? We must sow our seeds of hope and confidence in God who knows the perfect timing for our dilemmas and dreams. Some of our dreams will be realized, while other dreams will be taken out of our hearts for God’s better plan. It is all about eternal life, not this temporal life through which we pass. Prayers do not have expiration dates on them, and are springboards for hope, faith and confidence. When we live our lives allowing God to move through us instead of constantly seeking what He can do for us we will reap amazing fruit and blessings. When we invite His kingdom to come instead of setting up our kingdom to come we pave the way to receive His harvest. Through Him we can overcome anything this life sends our way, trusting Him for the resolution.

‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ ‘Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things…your life is now hidden with Christ.’ John 16:33, Colossians 3:1-3.