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An Appointed Season
Paul opens his letter to Titus by saying that God brings His Word to light at His appointed season. If you read the first few verses of Titus you will notice that Paul is careful to use the words "appointed season" instead of "appointed time." I believe that's significant and I will tell you why in a moment.
First, though, it's important to understand something else Paul says in these first few verses of Titus, which is that God cannot lie. So, whatever God has said to me in His Word is trustworthy and true. He will bring it to pass. If I'm being honest with myself, I would have to admit that there are times when I don't see God's Word showing up in my life. It could be because I don't understand His Word, or maybe I'm not applying His Word correctly, or maybe I just need to be patient and wait on the Lord. Whatever the case may be, I know that God does not lie, so I know His Word will be fulfilled, just maybe not when and how I think it will be.
So, how does this tie in to the "appointed season" part of this passage of scripture? Certainly, God can move instantly and dramatically to do whatever He wants, whenever He wants. That would be God moving at a time He has appointed. But, God also moves slowly and gradually, which is like a passing season. Consider a growing child for a moment. A parent who is around the child every day may not notice the gradual change, but someone who hasn't seen the child in a long time immediately notices how much they've grown. Likewise, since the Holy Spirit is constantly at work to transform us into the likeness of Christ, we may not always see the small, incremental changes that bring about the fulfillment of God's Word in our lives. But, as we come in contact with other people they can see it happening, even when we can't.
So, what’s the point I’m trying to make here? Only that if I don’t see changes happening in my life, it may just be that I’m in the presence of the Father and I’m not noticing the little, incremental changes He is using to shape my life and transform me into the likeness of His Son. But rest assured, He is fulfilling His Word in me and in you. For, God cannot lie. His Word never returns to Him empty and always accomplishes what He sends it out to do. If you’re not seeing the changes God is working in your life, don’t give up. Stay in the presence of the Father. He will bring about the change. He will be faithful to His Word. When we are faithless, He is faithful. How often I need to be reminded of that!
Paul opens his letter to Titus by saying that God brings His Word to light at His appointed season. If you read the first few verses of Titus you will notice that Paul is careful to use the words "appointed season" instead of "appointed time." I believe that's significant and I will tell you why in a moment.
First, though, it's important to understand something else Paul says in these first few verses of Titus, which is that God cannot lie. So, whatever God has said to me in His Word is trustworthy and true. He will bring it to pass. If I'm being honest with myself, I would have to admit that there are times when I don't see God's Word showing up in my life. It could be because I don't understand His Word, or maybe I'm not applying His Word correctly, or maybe I just need to be patient and wait on the Lord. Whatever the case may be, I know that God does not lie, so I know His Word will be fulfilled, just maybe not when and how I think it will be.
So, how does this tie in to the "appointed season" part of this passage of scripture? Certainly, God can move instantly and dramatically to do whatever He wants, whenever He wants. That would be God moving at a time He has appointed. But, God also moves slowly and gradually, which is like a passing season. Consider a growing child for a moment. A parent who is around the child every day may not notice the gradual change, but someone who hasn't seen the child in a long time immediately notices how much they've grown. Likewise, since the Holy Spirit is constantly at work to transform us into the likeness of Christ, we may not always see the small, incremental changes that bring about the fulfillment of God's Word in our lives. But, as we come in contact with other people they can see it happening, even when we can't.
So, what’s the point I’m trying to make here? Only that if I don’t see changes happening in my life, it may just be that I’m in the presence of the Father and I’m not noticing the little, incremental changes He is using to shape my life and transform me into the likeness of His Son. But rest assured, He is fulfilling His Word in me and in you. For, God cannot lie. His Word never returns to Him empty and always accomplishes what He sends it out to do. If you’re not seeing the changes God is working in your life, don’t give up. Stay in the presence of the Father. He will bring about the change. He will be faithful to His Word. When we are faithless, He is faithful. How often I need to be reminded of that!