In what ways can we discern God's timing in our daily decisions? Opening the Scene Jesus had received urgent news: “Lord, the one You love is sick” (John 11:3). Yet He waited two days, then said, “Let us go back to Judea” (John 11:7). That deliberate pause teaches how to recognize and follow God’s timetable instead of our own. Key Verse “Then He said to the disciples, ‘Let us go back to Judea.’” (John 11:7) Why Jesus Waited • He moved in step with the Father, not human pressure (John 11:6; John 5:19). • The delay allowed a greater revelation of God’s glory through Lazarus’s resurrection (John 11:4, 15, 40). • His timing protected the disciples until the appointed hour (John 11:8-10). Lessons for Discerning God’s Timing Today 1. Stay Rooted in God’s Word • Scripture anchors our decisions. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). • The more we know His voice in the Bible, the easier it is to sense His guidance in life’s details. 2. Follow the Prompting of the Holy Spirit • Jesus relied on the Spirit; so do we (Romans 8:14). • Inner peace that aligns with Scripture often signals “go,” while unrest can signal “wait” (Colossians 3:15). 3. Evaluate Motives and Pressure • Urgency from others is not always divine urgency; Jesus loved Lazarus yet refused to rush. • Ask whether a deadline comes from God or from people’s expectations (Galatians 1:10). 4. Watch for Providential Doors • Paul stayed put when doors were closed and moved when God opened them (Acts 16:6-10). • Closed opportunities can be protective pauses, just as Jesus delayed for safety and glory. 5. Confirm with God-Fearing Counsel • “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). • Wise believers can help discern whether timing aligns with biblical principles. 6. Accept Seasons of Waiting • “Wait for the LORD; be strong and courageous” (Psalm 27:14). • Waiting refines faith and reveals God’s power in ways haste never could (Isaiah 40:31). 7. Trust God’s Sovereignty over Outcomes • Jesus’ delay ended in a miracle none expected. • Commit plans to the Lord and trust Him to establish steps (Proverbs 16:3, 9). Practical Steps for Daily Decisions • Begin each day in Scripture; note any verses that address current choices. • Pray specifically for direction, then pause and listen. • Compare impressions with biblical truth; discard anything contrary. • Consult mature believers when facing major crossroads. • Look for recurring confirmations—Scripture, circumstances, counsel, and inner peace aligning together. • Move forward in faith once clarity comes, even if risks remain, remembering Jesus walked back into danger under the Father’s timetable (John 11:7-10). Encouraging Assurance God’s timing is never late, never early, always perfect (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Like Jesus at Lazarus’s tomb, He weaves delays into displays of glory. As we submit decisions to His Word, His Spirit, and His sovereign orchestration, we can discern the right moment to act and witness His faithfulness unfold. |
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