What does Ecclesiastes 3:6 teach about God's timing in our pursuits? Scripture Focus Ecclesiastes 3:6 — “a time to search and a time to count as lost, a time to keep and a time to discard;” The God-appointed season to search • God builds legitimate seasons of active pursuit into our lives. • Pursuing goals, opportunities, relationships, or resources is wise when He opens the door (Proverbs 21:5; Revelation 3:8). • “Search” implies diligence and hope—trust that what we need can be found because the Lord provides (Psalm 34:10; Matthew 7:7-8). • These pursuits must remain under the umbrella of His will: “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him” (Psalm 37:5). The God-appointed season to count as lost • Sometimes the same Lord who says “seek” also says “stop.” • “Count as lost” signals purposeful release, not defeatism (Philippians 3:7-8). • He may use closed doors, diminishing returns, or inner conviction by His Spirit to tell us the season has ended (Acts 16:6-7). • Obedience here protects us from idolatry—clinging to a pursuit after God has moved on makes it a rival god (1 John 5:21). A time to keep and a time to discard • When God says “keep,” stewardship matters—maintain, guard, and use gifts well (1 Timothy 6:20). • When God says “discard,” let go quickly and cleanly—whether possessions (Matthew 19:21), ambitions (James 4:13-15), or habits (Hebrews 12:1). • Both keeping and discarding are acts of faith: we trust His provision and pruning (John 15:2). Principles for discerning God’s timing • Stay anchored in Scripture; His written Word renews our minds to sense His seasons (Romans 12:2). • Pray for wisdom; He promises to give it generously (James 1:5). • Seek godly counsel; wise believers confirm shifts in season (Proverbs 15:22). • Watch providential indicators—opened or closed opportunities, changes in resources, fruitfulness or lack thereof (Psalm 37:23). • Examine motives; pursuits driven by pride or greed rarely bear God’s stamp (1 John 2:16). Application: Resting in God’s sovereign calendar • Every pursuit has an expiration date set by our Father; peace flows from aligning with it. • We labor wholeheartedly when He says “search” and loosen our grip when He says “lose.” • In all seasons we echo Psalm 31:15, “My times are in Your hands,” trusting the One who orders every moment for our good and for His glory (Romans 8:28). |
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