DIVINE TIMING

Title: DIVINE TIMING
Text: Ecclessiates 3:1

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

INTRODUCTION:
In the hustle and bustle of life, we often find ourselves in a rush, trying to make things happen in our own time. However, the Bible teaches us that God’s timing is always perfect. Divine timing refers to the belief that God has a specific time for everything in our lives. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "To everything, there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." Today, we will explore the importance of trusting God’s timing and the blessings that come when we wait on Him.

1. THE EXAMPLE OF ABRAHAM AND SARAH:  TRUSTING GOD'S PROMISE Abraham and Sarah's story is a profound example of divine timing. God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, but this promise didn’t come to pass immediately. In Genesis 12:2, God promises, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you." However, it wasn’t until many years later, when Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90, that Isaac was born (Genesis 21:1-2).Despite their initial doubts and even attempts to fulfil God's promise in their way, such as through Hagar (Genesis 16), God fulfilled His promise at the appointed time. This story teaches us that even when it seems like time is running out, God’s timing is always perfect.

2. THE ISRAELITES IN EGYPT: DELIVERANCE AT THE RIGHT TIME

The Israelites spent 400 years in bondage in Egypt, and it must have seemed like God had forgotten them. But in Exodus 3:7-8, God says to Moses, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them.
"God’s timing in delivering the Israelites was not random. He had a specific plan and time in mind. The deliverance came when the time was right, when Moses was prepared and the conditions were set for the Israelites to be freed. Sometimes, God delays our deliverance to prepare us or the circumstances around us for a greater purpose.

3. JOSEPH: FROM THE PIT TO THE PALACE 

Joseph’s life is another powerful example of divine timing. Sold into slavery by his brothers and later imprisoned, it seemed like Joseph’s life was going in the wrong direction. However, in Genesis 50:20, Joseph declares, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt came at the perfect time. Had he not been in the position he was in, Egypt and his family might have perished in the famine. Joseph’s story reminds us that God’s timing is often beyond our understanding, but it is always for a greater purpose.

4. JESUS CHRIST: THE FULFILLMENT OF TIME
The coming of Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of divine timing. Galatians 4:4-5 says, "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship."Jesus came at the perfect time in history, fulfilling prophecies and bringing salvation to humanity. His life, death, and resurrection were all perfectly timed in God’s divine plan. This shows us that God’s timing is not just about individual moments but is woven into the fabric of history for the fulfilment of His purpose.

5. WAITING ON GOD'S TIMING:
A CALL TO PATIENCE
The Bible encourages us to wait on the Lord. Isaiah 40:31 declares, "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Waiting on God’s timing requires patience and trust, knowing that He sees the bigger picture. When we try to rush God’s timing, we can end up with less than what He intended for us. But when we wait, we receive His best. Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

CONCLUSION:
Divine timing is not always easy to understand, but it is always perfect. The lives of Abraham and Sarah, the Israelites, Joseph, and the coming of Jesus Christ all teach us the importance of trusting God’s timing. We may not always see it, but God is always at work, orchestrating everything according to His perfect plan. As we close, let us commit to trusting in God’s timing for our lives. Let us wait on Him, knowing that His plans for us are good and that He will bring them to pass in His perfect time. Remember, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11 ). Prayer:Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your perfect timing. Help us to trust in Your plans for our lives and to wait patiently for Your promises to be fulfilled. Give us the strength to remain faithful as we wait on You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.