OPERATE WITHIN YOUR TIME

Daily Devotional: Day 12

“Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come” (John 7:8; KJV).

Today’s Scripture tells us that the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near. Therefore, Jesus’ brothers urged him to attend, so that he could gain publicity. But Jesus responded by saying that his time was not yet come. What does this mean for us today? In John’s Gospel, you’ll notice that Jesus often talks about his time or hour. This is very important. Time exists for a reason, and the Bible says, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Jesus was a man of purpose and he lived a goal-oriented life. He never did anything just for the sake of conforming to people’s expectations. His success both as a person and as the Messiah was in part due to his sense of timing. He was determined to operate within specific times, because he understood that there is a time for everything.  Based on this understanding, Jesus did not live according to whatever life threw at him. This applies to us also. To be successful as a child of God, it’s important that you know your time and operate within it. 

Don’t make the mistake of building your life around random decisions. It’s important, first of all, that you connect with your Father in heaven and understand his will for your life. Then you’ll make decisions based on God’s timing for your life. Some people make important decisions based on what they see everyone doing. For example, some marry because they see everyone getting married. Others give birth without a sense of timing and planning. Still others take on tasks they aren’t ready for, but they do it anyway, because everyone does it. Always remember that there’s a time and season for everything. This means there’s a time and season for your every move. The fact that most people are going a certain way at a certain time doesn’t mean you must join them. Everyone has his own mission and destiny in the world. What works for one person, may not work for you. What works in one season may not work in another season. Don’t let people or circumstances pressure you to operate outside your divine timing. Ask your Father to give you an awareness of timing, and plan your life accordingly. You’ll feel less pressure to conform, and you’ll operate within your time. Then – like Jesus did – you’ll bear quality fruit unto God’s glory. Know your time.

Prayer

Daddy, thank you for times and seasons. Jesus knew his time. Grant me a discerning spirit that I also may know my time and operate within it. 

 In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

For further study: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

By:

Pastor Stephen “Steve” Alfred Bilson-Ogoe

Charis Temple (non-denominational church)

Manassas, Virginia, USA

Email: charristemple@gmail.com

Phone: +1 (888)-541-5594