Changing Times – in His Hands

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon contrasts opposite times we will go through in our lifetimes. “There is a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to harvest, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” God has a plan and timing for each event that intercepts our lives.

A few years ago on a mission trip to Mexico, we had some free time to go sight-seeing and shopping. As we prepared to pay for our selections, one of our friends discovered someone had stolen her wallet. Her joy had also been stolen and replaced by anger and disbelief.

To my friend’s credit, she reclaimed the joy of serving those to whom we came to minister. Be on guard to inadvertently stealing someone’s joy by permitting a negative attitude and disposition to infiltrate who you are and your ministry for Christ Jesus. Accepting God’s perfect timing for everything is the secret to activating the joy Jesus gives. 

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I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.

~Psalm 31:14-15 New International Version

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust in him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

~Psalm 28:7 New Living Translation

Choosing to Do What's Good and Right

The struggle between Jacob and Esau began early. Rebekah, their mother, complained to God about their rambunctious activity in her womb. After their birth Esau had the upper hand because he was the firstborn and physically stronger. Today he would enjoy being an all-around athlete. Jacob would be considered the studious, nerdy type.

Later Jacob would scheme to steal Esau’s birthright as firstborn. Jacob longed and waited for the right moment to move into action. He did not consider what was morally right or God’s plan and timing. He wanted what he wanted as soon as he could get it. Esau was impetuous and traded his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of soup.

Jacob believed by taking possession of Esau’s birthright, he would be set for life, a person of significance with power and prestige. He could never imagine the pain and suffering the future held in store for him. In truth, there is no substitute for being loved, and yet our blessings come from loving others as God loves us.