The timing of God shows the hand of the Lord throughout our lives. All of us were born in a particular place and time, setting our life’s journey into motion like a small puzzle piece in a larger picture. Before Jesus’ ministry, the Father sent John the Baptist ahead to prepare the soil of people’s hearts.
Matthew 3:1In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, 2 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” 3 The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’ ” [1]
Until John the Baptist came to tell the people to repent, they were unaware it was time to repent. Often, we are unaware of God’s timing until we can look back and gain perspective.
God Brings People To Your Life’s Stage
If you reflect on your life, you will see the Lord brings people into your life at certain times. Parents may be in your life for a long time, while others have a shorter season. Each person the Lord brings into your life is significant.
John the Baptist had lasting effects even though he was only briefly on the stage of life. For some, repentance was a turning point in their lives where the Lord turned them to Him and made an eternal difference. When people genuinely repent, their hearts change, affecting their entire lives. Their encounter with John may have been brief, but the spiritual effects were hopefully lifelong.
Why We Need to Trust in God’s Timing
Sometimes, we may not be aware of God’s timing; other times, we must wait for it. As we wait on God’s timing, He always knows best. Isaiah 46:10 Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. [2] The Lord is all-knowing, and we are not. We see the world with a limited and finite perspective, while God sees it all. God knows the past, present, and future and brings His plans to pass.
As we let the Lord lead us, He will unfold our lives beyond anything we can hope or imagine. To be led by the Lord is to give our free will to Him. Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. [3] How many people went to the wilderness to hear John and did not realize the Lord was leading them? When we listen and follow God’s voice, He unfolds the plan for our life at the right time.
To learn more about the timing of God, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/john-prepares-the-way
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.