They say timing is everything. As you read through the Gospels, you can’t help but notice the many references to time. Jesus said, “My time is not yet come… a time is coming… when the time comes… the time has now come!” There’s such a clear sense of direction. An intense awareness of the purposes of God, the unfolding of the will of God, and the fulfillment of His eternal plans.
To their great frustration, the religious leaders, the people, even the Twelve Disciples learned that Jesus could not be pressured or pushed into doing anything on their timetable. He could not be distracted or dissuaded, manipulated or led astray. He was a Man on a mission. At precisely the right time, in the right place, in the right way, without fail, He perfectly followed His Father’s plan.
Our Father’s plan.
That’s good news for you and me, because it means there IS a plan — even if we don’t know what it is. There is a time — even if we don’t know when. There is a purpose — even if we can’t see it, can’t grasp it, can’t fully understand.
In John 11 Jesus waited two days before going to see Lazarus, during which time His beloved friend died. Not because He didn’t care. Not because He couldn’t be bothered. Not because He forgot or didn’t realize how desperately He was needed.
“No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it (v 4)… For your sake, I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe (v 14)… Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God? (v 40)”
This same Jesus who raised Lazarus from the dead, the same Jesus who was Himself raised from the dead, is alive and at work in your heart and life today! He knows what He’s doing. He has a plan.
Trust Him for His perfect timing.
“Delays are not refusals; many a prayer is registered, and underneath it are the words: ‘My time is not yet come.’ God has a set time as well as a set purpose, and He who orders the bounds of our habitation orders also the time of our deliverance.” — from Streams in the Desert
Bible Study Questions:
This week in our Virtual VBS, we’ve been reading John Chapters 10-11.
1) Read Psalm 27. After pouring out his heart and soul to God, offering praise and worship and thanksgiving, affirming his faith in God, remembering God’s faithfulness to him, and making his requests — where does the psalmist end up? What conclusion does he come to? (vs 13-14) Why?
2) What’s the most important thing you want to remember from this week’s study? Write it in your journal, on a sticky note, in a Facebook post or a tweet, or scrapbook it. Share it with a friend or family member. Whatever will help it stick!
3) Practice this week’s memory verse, John 10:9.
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Sharing another of my favorite songs with you this week: This is a beautiful rendition of “He Looked Beyond My Faults and Saw My Need” performed by Steve Adetumbi. Years ago Dottie Rambo wrote these powerful lyrics and put them to the tune of “Oh Danny Boy” — take two minutes to listen and be blessed!
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Don’t forget that you’re welcome to share any questions you have about life and faith or the Bible itself– especially things that may have come up during our study of the Gospel of John.
You can also share prayer requests. If you’re not comfortable posting in the comments section below, you can email me through the contact form on this site — or message me on Facebook.
I’d love to hear from you!
