A wise English proverb says, “Timing is everything.” While its origin is unknown, most have used the proverb, and all have experienced its reality. We agree “timing” is vital, but few agree on the “right time”—especially if acting requires effort and sacrifice. Sometimes God’s work goes undone while His children debate the timing.
When we ask the Lord to intervene in a crisis, we’re sure, “Now is the time.” On the other hand, when He says, “Now is the time”—“Share the gospel with that person”; “Give to that need”; “Apologize to that offended friend” we often say, “I will, but not now. It’s not the right time.” Is that a little ironic?
Such was the case for “Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel.” For an American tongue, it’s a funny name. Try saying it five times real fast. Zerubbabel had difficulty with God’s timing, and so did his friend Joshua and the people they led.
Timing is vital for us on our path to victory, just as it was for Zerubbabel and his people. God called the prophet Haggai to deliver four sermons about the problem. Three of the sermons were also directed at Joshua and all the people living in Judah. Haggai delivered the first of his sermons to the whole group in November of 520 BC. The sermon began:
Thus speaks the LORD of hosts, saying: “This people says, ‘The time has not come, the time that the LORD’s house should be built.’” Then the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying, “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?”
Sixteen years earlier the Lord opened the door for the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem from Babylon. They were commissioned to rebuild the Temple. The task was large and difficult. The resources were few, but God wanted them to work with what they had, trusting Him to provide what they did not have. In the midst of numerous challenges, Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people became distracted and discouraged. Their Temple construction project was derailed—for sixteen years.
Zerubbabel had not given up on the idea of building the Temple … “someday.” Everyone agreed the Temple should be built … “someday.” “Someone ought to do it, and we want to help … someday. But not now. It’s not the right time.” Sound familiar?
The problem was, God said, “Now is the time!” They resisted God’s leading—for sixteen years. They knew the Temple was needed. They knew the LORD had led them to build it. They simply decided to wait for a more convenient time. The next thing they knew, sixteen years had passed.
Far too often, believers argue with God about timing. Just as the Lord was not pleased with Zerubbabel, Joshua, and Jerusalem’s 520 BC population, He isn’t pleased when we procrastinate obedience.
When I was a teenager, I was impressed with the importance of immediate obedience to God’s promptings. A visiting preacher told a memorable story at my home church in Pueblo, CO.
While driving home one evening, a lady sensed the Lord’s prompting to buy and deliver some groceries to another lady who had begun attending her church. She was tired and wanted to get home. She prayed, “Lord, I’ll do it, but not tonight.” A week went by and she remembered her promise. She went to the store, bought the groceries, and headed to her new friend’s house.
The new friend wasn’t warm and welcoming. “What do you want?” she asked.
“I don’t know why,” the lady said, “but I felt you needed some groceries. I went to the store and my trunk is full of things for you. Could you help me bring them in?”
Instead of the expected delight, she heard an embittered response, “I don’t want your groceries, and I don’t care to see you again. I will not be back to the church.” The lady related that while attending the church, she heard that people could take their needs to God and expect Him to answer. She had begun to believe God was trustworthy. Her husband had been out of work for some time, and she assured him God would meet their needs.
One week earlier, old friends came for a visit. She wanted to prepare a nice meal, and she asked God to provide. She believed He would, but He didn’t. She now felt foolish and deceived.
The lady from the church stood there in shame. She confessed that the Lord had prompted her a week earlier, but she didn’t obey. She delayed.
I’ve never forgotten that story! When the Lord prompts, I know it’s time to act. Delay is disobedience, whether it’s 1 week or 16 years.
As we continue on this journey, would you pray for NEBC every time the Lord prompts you? Would you give, whenever and whatever the Lord prompts you to give? Will you come, whenever the Lord prompts you to come? Every time the Lord prompts you to share, will you tell others what God is doing in and through NEBC? God’s timing is always the best timing!
Thank you for joining me in my ponderings on the path to victory!
With Great Anticipation,
Mark H. Ballard
President