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"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16 NKJV)
"He told them, 'You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.'" (Acts 1:7-8 MSG)
Timing is everything.
This is a common expression that is frequently used, particularly if something has happened that we find favourable.
Occasionally, we hear of someone who has been innocently hurt because that person was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Garrett Hedlund recorded a song, "Timing is Everything", the first four lines of which read:
"When the stars line up
And you catch a break
People think you're lucky
But you know it's grace."
From the time we enter this world, we continually try to get matters in line to meet what we desire. Babies want to be fed and have their other needs met. Young children quickly learn how to make things happen their way.
As we age, we do everything that we can to orchestrate what we consider to be the best set of circumstances to achieve what we want. Only when we come alive in Christ do these considerations centre on the honour of God.
The current coronavirus pandemic has certainly disrupted our timing in many ways. This may be a good thing, in that it could cause us to re-examine our priorities and the underlying reasons for our striving to make everything line up.
Recently, one of my granddaughters telephoned to tell me that her fiancé had just asked her to marry him. After offering my congratulations, I asked what I considered a normal question: "What are your plans for the wedding?"
Her response brought me back to today's reality: "Given the current pandemic situation, it's virtually impossible to make concrete plans. We'll have to wait to see how things unfold."
Suddenly, I thought that what we would consider normal has now been upended.
It led me to realize that we have a special opportunity to challenge ourselves to think about whether we are chasing the right set of stars lining up.
As I struggle to make things happen my way, am I doing so out of my love for God and my desire to serve Him through love for others?
Perhaps this pandemic can help you and me to re-examine our actions.
Prayer: Dear Father, in the midst of upsetting activities caused by this current pandemic, help us each to consider the basis of our actions. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Vincent Walter
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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