Knowing When

'[Like] a child without wisdom; when the time arrives, he [or she] does not come to the opening of the womb.' Hosea 13:13 NIV

This is a timely word today as we look into what our purpose in life is this Sunday. Paul talks about how we have been created/purposed to do good works. Timing is an integral part of God's plan for your life. You need to know what to do, and when to do it. You never want to wait to long or you might you miss your window of God-given opportunity. As believers we experience two births: a natural and a spiritual birth. For some...spiritual birth happens in childhood. Others, like me, have to work to get there with a combination of effort and...the stripping down of layers of independence. Regardless of how we get to the spiritual labor/delivery room, at our appointed time - unlike a natural birth...we must be willing to be reborn. We can't remain in darkness and isolation. "When the time arrives [to] come to the opening of the womb" and be pushed into the world as a new creation, you must be willing to emerge. We all know people who read every self-help book. They're always getting ready to emerge, but never quite make it. You may even be one of them. Perhaps God has given you a vision but you've hidden it away for so long waiting for the right time, it has become stale. Visions have a shelf life. They are for "an appointed [fixed, chosen, prearranged] time."' (Habakkuk 2:3 NIV) If you wait for the perfect moment when all is safe and assured, it will never arrive. Mountains will not be climbed, races won, or lasting happiness achieved. Bottom line: you can sit on the bench, or get involved in the game. Which will it be? You are loved...