Timing

In His timing, God answers our prayers and leads us to where we need to be. The proper response to the guidance of the Lord is praise, devotion, and listening for what is next. Think back to a significant milestone in your life. How did this event impact the days that immediately followed? How did this event shape your life long-term?

On Sunday, we will celebrate this very thing; significant milestones in an individual’s life, but more importantly, their spiritual life. During worship, we will observe the beginning of a spiritual journey with the obedience of Baptism. We will also celebrate the culmination of 35 years of ministerial service in the local church. Both of these celebrations will frame for us God’s utilization of his children.

As we continue reading in the account of Joshua, we know that the Israelites have crossed the Jordan River and finally entered the promised land. The Lord’s promise to His people, from the time of Abraham was finally fulfilled. The Lord does not always fulfill His promises on our timelines. However, He is always teaching His people faithfulness, obedience, and trust in Him, as He did with the Israelites. As we read Joshua 5, we will see the Israelites’ next steps after the miraculous parting of the Jordan River. We will also see how they devoted themselves to God following this event and how we, as His people, must similarly devote ourselves to Him. The sin of disobedience no longer bound this generation of Israel. They entered the promised land to claim it for their own. They devoted themselves to God, and God proved Himself faithful to them. When we repent of our sin, we receive a new identity in Christ rather than our past deeds. True repentance is characterized by turning away from past sin and turning toward present and future obedience to God.

So how do you celebrate your milestone? The first thing the Israelites did to commemorate their entrance (milestone) into the promised land was to celebrate Passover in remembrance and reverence for what God had done in the past. As the Israelites worshiped upon receiving the blessings and fulfilled promises of the Lord, so should we. They remembered both the work done for their fathers as well as the work of God on their behalf. Not only did Israel celebrate Passover, but they also did so using food from the land of Canaan. God had again shown Himself faithful by providing for them through manna. Once they entered Canaan, He offered to utilize the land.

Some might say, “It’s all about timing.” Just as He did with the people of Israel, God is always faithful to sustain His people. God’s timing always is the right time. God often provides in unexpected ways, and this grows our dependence on Him. The life of a disciple is one of reliance on God to provide for us each moment, in whatever way He decides is best. Friends, We are constantly tempted to believe that we know best. Even after seeing God work in extraordinary ways, we can quickly return to thinking that we can handle our lives from that moment forward. As was the case with Joshua, we need to be refocused on God as our Provider. The One who holds every day in His hands. Though this may feel like we are not making progress in a given moment, we can provide no more important focus than our relationship with God. Apart from Him, our perceived progress will always fade.

Before your arrival, this coming Sunday, pray that God would bring to mind His work in your past and give you a spirit of thanksgiving for His provision for you. Ask the Spirit for guidance in how you need to seek to set yourself apart for Him. Thank the Father that He has provided all that we need in the person and work of Jesus.