Timing Is Everything
Last Friday started like any other day. Jason and I accomplished various household and ministry tasks and then prepared for our daily walk with Tess, who was practically dancing by the door in anticipation. Just as I reached for her leash, Jason remembered one "quick task" he needed to complete before we left.
You know how those quick tasks go, right? They're never as quick as we imagine. What should have taken five minutes stretched into twenty, then thirty. Meanwhile, Tess's excitement gradually transformed into confused disappointment as she watched us bustle about, still not heading toward the door. Poor pup!
When we finally stepped outside, the weather had taken a dramatic turn. The cold, cloudy day had morphed into a miserable wintry mix of sleet and snow. Our pleasant walk turned into a rushed affair, with all three of us eager to return home as quickly as possible.
As I stood there, pelted by icy precipitation, I couldn't help but think about how often we humans do the same thing with God. We hear His call—whether it's for salvation or service—and we respond with, "Just a minute, Lord. Let me finish this one thing first."
The Bible warns us about this dangerous practice: "Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth" (Proverbs 27:1). Yet how many times do we postpone our response to God's prompting? We tell ourselves we'll get saved after university, start serving after the children are grown, or begin tithing after the next pay rise.
For the unsaved, this procrastination could result in eternal separation from God. The Bible clearly states, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). There's no guarantee of tomorrow and no promise of another opportunity to accept Christ's free gift of salvation.
For believers, delayed obedience is still disobedience. When God calls us to serve, give, or step out in faith, waiting for the "perfect moment" often means missing His perfect will. Just as our pleasant walk turned uncomfortable due to our delay, our spiritual journey can become more challenging when we postpone our obedience.
The weather that day served as a powerful reminder: conditions can change in an instant. The opportunity before us right now might not be available later. Whether it's accepting Christ as Savior or stepping out in service for Him, the time to act is now.
Don't let that "one quick thing" keep you from God's best for your life. The perfect time is rarely perfect, but God's timing is always right. When He calls, the best response is immediate obedience. After all, none of us wants to be caught in life's wintry mix when we could have walked in His sunshine.