The Appointed Time
by Tanya Person
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about appointed times. We spent almost two months travelling through the USA, meeting with supporters and family. Before going, we prayed about what order to visit which state, and we prayed that God would give us divine appointments. The entire trip we saw one meeting after another that could only have been appointed by God!
We had the opportunity to attend a conference in Texas with many good messages. One of them was about Elijah. As I read the story in the New Living Translation, I noticed something I hadn’t seen before. When Elijah set up the contest with the prophets of Baal, he allowed them to go first, and spend all day calling on their god, and by the time Elijah was ready to offer his sacrifice, it was the usual time for the evening sacrifice! I don’t think that was an accident or coincidence!
Many times in the Old Testament God told the Israelites to keep appointed times and do things at appointed times. In the New Testament Jesus was on a schedule, which lined up with appointed times to fulfill prophecy. Timing is obviously important to God, but often we want things to happen in our timing. We either try to run ahead, or we drag our feet, hesitant or afraid to step out and do what God is telling us to do.
Jesus is our example, and He said that He only did what He saw the Father doing. If we’re going to follow Jesus, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to show us what the Father is doing so we can walk in step with Him; then we’ll see Him doing amazing things through our lives!
Prayer: Lord, I want to be used by You. Please help me to listen for Your guidance as You lead me in Your timing. Give me patience to wait for Your timing and give me boldness to step out and act when it is the appointed time. Forgive me for those occasions when I rushed ahead or held back. I want to walk in step with You. Amen.
Tanya Person Tanya and her husband, Jim, were missionaries to Hungary for over 18 years. They have worked with Ellel since 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where they are now serving with the Ellel USA team. They have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom, and for mentoring the existing and developing team. Tanya also enjoys crocheting and knitting in her free time and has written some children’s picture books.
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