To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:
- A time to be born, and a time to die;
- A time to plant, and a time to puck what is planned;
- A time to kill, and a time to heal;
- A time to break down, and a time to build up;
- A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
- A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
- A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones;
- A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
- A time to gain, and a time to lose;
- A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
- A time to tear, and a time to sew;
- A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
- A time to love, and a time to hate;
- A time to war, and a time of peace.
This poem speaks with eloquence of the role of time in the life of a believer. Some regard the Book of Ecclesiastes as describing life apart from God, but clearly this text describes life that is lived in relationship with God. Though these words, we are taught that everything has an opportune time that each event is in the hand of God, who makes everything happen in the time He judges appropriate.
Many of us face numerous life situations that we cannot fully understand or explain. A sudden illness, the passing of a love one, an unexpected release from our job, or simply things not working out the way we feel they should. In the mist of our situation, we question why they are happening. The answer is…that all of life unfolds according to God’s appointment. All the toiling of man cannot change the times, circumstances, and control of events that God has reserved to Himself.
That may sound somewhat harsh; that we are at the mercy of God to do whatever He wants, when He wants it. I believe the key word here is “mercy.” Only through the mercy of God can we be given the opportunity of life itself.
I have gone back and edited this previous posting for a very special friend. Patty Driggs went home to be with our Savior on January 14, 2005. Patty and Von (her husband) assisted with our application into Mercy Ships. She has served our ministry, both in our corporate office and in Freetown, West Africa (New Steps Program) for numerous years. She will be missed, but we know that she is home. Pray for the Driggs Family as we are, that Christ will be ever closer during this time of season.
