Kingdom Timing

Last week, we talked about understanding how things work in the kingdom of God.

Jesus taught extensively on the kingdom of God and how it operates. He wants His people to understand the flow of the kingdom so that they can be successful in what He has called them to in this late hour.

The first talk we shared on this topic focused on the mysteries of the kingdom; specifically how we move in the kingdom without knowing the specifics of what God is doing and how He is accomplishing His purpose. To be successful in the kingdom requires us to be comfortable with God being in control and us being out of control.

Trying to control things wears you out and frustrates you. God is not going to change the way He operates and the faster we accept this, the better the ride will be!

Today, let’s talk about a topic that is related to last week’s but with its own distinctive traits that we must understand to get into the flow of the kingdom. 

God often tell us that He is going to do something in our lives before it actually happens. I have often received a word from the Lord revealing to me exactly what He plans to do for me, around me, or through me.

Anyone every received a word from God revealing what He is about to do in you, through you, or around you?

When you receive these words, they often fail to include two significant pieces of information:

1. How God is going to accomplish what He has said.
2. When God is going to do what He has said.

Last week, we talked about getting comfortable with the “how” He is going to do what He has said. But, what about the “when?”

We often struggle just as much with the timing as we do with how God is going to accomplish His purpose.

We are “now” people! Wouldn’t you say so? Our society has taught us to expect things now or very quickly. To flow in the kingdom without losing your sanity, you must know a few things about God and how He does things.

 

1. God is doing a lot more than filling an “order” or performing a “magic trick.”

I once asked God when I was first saved, “What is my destiny?” I wanted to know the purpose for my life. As I waited for His response, I pictured in my mind that the answer would show some type of occupation or a ministry I would do. His response to me didn’t reveal a destination that I would reach but a journey that I would undertake that would last a lifetime. His answer to me was:

Romans 8:29-30: “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”

This answer clarified much for me and will for you too. My destiny and your destiny is to be conformed to the image of His Son. As you are being conformed, your life will win many around you to the Lord. Finally, God is the One doing the work, so the key to me reaching my destination is submission.

God is going to bring about some amazing “things” in your life but those things don’t mean much if your destiny is not fulfilled along the way. If you know that Christlikeness is your destiny, then the fact that prophecies take time to fulfill makes much more sense.

2. The kingdom of God works “seasonally” just like the natural world.

Jesus used many parables to teach about the kingdom. Many of those parables were “farming” examples. In these parables, Jesus reinforced the truth of Ecclesiastes 3:1 – There is a season for everything, a time for every purpose.”

A farmer understands several principles of success.

1. Patience – plants don’t spring up overnight.
2. Attention to detail – little things can destroy much hard work.
3. Timing – There is a certain season for every farming activity.

You don’t plant in winter. The soil and weather are not conducive to the seed’s survival. You don’t harvest in winter. The conditions are not warm enough to produce fruit. Fruit trees look dead in winter, but important work is going on below the surface. Their roots are going deeper to prepare for the increased weight of the growth of the tree and the weight of the harvest.

There is a time for your word to come to pass; an appointed season for harvest. Don’t faint during winter – summer is on its way!

Ecclesiastes 3:9-13 explains the joy of those who understand kingdom timing:

“What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.”