God's Perfect Timing

John 2:4 "Woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My hour has not yet come." // Jesus sees timing as an important matter.

John 11:6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days,

We have to learn about timing and know when to act fast and when to act slow-er.

1. When God tells us to do something

Matthew 4:19-20 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people." At once they left their nets and followed him. // Peter and Andrew doesn't even know who is Jesus. Yet, they followed Jesus straight away when Jesus called them.

2. When asking and offering forgiveness

Matthew 5:23-24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. // Offering at altar was considered highly important at the time. Yet, forgiveness is more important than that.

3. When I have made a promise to God

Ecclesiastes 5:4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. // When you promise to God to do something, don't procrastinate. Do it right away. 

1. When I'm hurt or angry

James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry // When we are angry, we often say something or do something in a negative manner which we have never intended. So it is very important to take it easy and pray before we do something that we have no intention to.

2. When making major decision

Proverbs 21:29 The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways.

Proverbs 22:3 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.  // When making a decision such as going into relationship, we have to give a really good thought,

3. When waiting for a seed I have planted to grow

James 5:7-8 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.  // When you pray or do something, do not expect the result to come straight away. Of course God can make it happen and answer your prayer straight away. But the Bible teaches us that God will do His miracles at the right time according to His will that He sees good.

Sermon at Place of Joy 21 November 2016