How can we discern God's timing in our own decision-making processes? Setting the Scene in Matthew 26:5 “But they said, ‘Not during the feast, or there may be a riot among the people.’” The chief priests and elders thought they controlled the schedule. They aimed to delay Jesus’ arrest until after Passover, yet the cross unfolded exactly when God had appointed. Their caution could not overrule heaven’s clock. That single verse teaches volumes about how the Lord’s timing overrides human planning. Key Observations from the Verse • Human caution: leaders postponed action to avoid unrest. • Divine certainty: Jesus was still arrested during the feast (v. 47–50). • Lesson: God’s purposes operate on His calendar, not ours. Anchoring Truths about God’s Timing • Psalm 31:15 — “My times are in Your hands.” • Ecclesiastes 3:1 — “For everything there is an appointed time.” • Galatians 4:4 — “When the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son.” • John 7:30 — “His hour had not yet come,” so no one laid a hand on Him. These passages confirm that the Lord rules every clock and calendar. Practical Steps for Discerning His Timing 1. Saturate Decisions with Scripture • Compare plans with clear biblical commands and principles. • If an option contradicts God’s Word, the timing—and choice—is off-limits. 2. Seek the Spirit’s Inner Witness • Romans 8:14 — “All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” • A settled, Spirit-given peace often signals “now”; persistent unrest may mean “wait.” 3. Pay Attention to Providential Doors • Revelation 3:7 — Christ “opens and no one will shut, and shuts and no one opens.” • Unforced openings and inexplicable closures can mark God’s cue to move or stay put. 4. Listen to Wise, God-Centered Counsel • Proverbs 11:14 — “Victory is won through many advisers.” • Spirit-filled mentors help confirm or challenge our sense of timing. 5. Evaluate Motives in Light of Eternity • James 4:13-15 reminds us life is a vapor; we must say, “If the Lord wills.” • Ask: does this timing honor Christ or merely satisfy impatience or fear? 6. Watch for God’s Alignment of Circumstances • Acts 16:6-10 — Paul’s team experienced closed doors in Asia, then the Macedonian call. • Consistent external indicators often echo the Spirit’s internal leading. Guardrails While Waiting • Stay faithful in present responsibilities (Luke 16:10). • Cultivate gratitude and patience (Psalm 37:7). • Reject anxiety by casting cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7). Encouragement for the Journey If religious leaders could not delay the cross by a single day, nothing can thwart God’s timetable for your life. Trust His sovereignty, walk in daily obedience, and let Him unveil each next step when the moment is ripe. |
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