It feels like the year started a few months ago and now we’re approaching Christmas. Time just seems to be moving a lot quicker. This feels like reality especially when we have goals that we’re still working on or haven’t yet begun to pursue, it’s when watching kids grow up so fast before our very eyes, or when watching a relationship dwindle and the opportunities to rekindle it seem to be dwindling as well. As for single women who are perhaps middle-age or older, maybe there’s a feeling of “it’s time to hang up the towel” on the hope of marriage. Our perspective on time according to change and in some cases, missed opportunities, may be hindering the possibilities and benefits of hope. This is a quiet time guide that will help build confidence and peace about the time that we’ve spent, and an understanding of what to do with the time that is present and ahead.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11a
Q: What in my life has been taking a long time to develop into something beautiful?
Q: What role do I play in everything being made beautiful in its time?
Q: What do I see in this scripture that offers comfort about this time of waiting for the ‘beauty’ to emerge?
Q: How can I begin to pray with the perspective of Ecclesiastes 3:11 in mind?
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
Q: What goal, opportunity or relationship have I been harboring?
Q: What season is that goal, opportunity or relationship in right now?
Q: As seasons change, circumstances change as well. What can I intentionally accept today about seasons in my life?
Q: Is this goal, opportunity or relationship beneficial in any way that is godly or aligned with God’s plan for me? If not, what can I understand about this goal, opportunity or relationship with scripture put into clear perspective?
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15–16 ESV
“We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” John 9:4 ESV
According to these scriptures, there is time available, even when it feels like the needed time has passed. The call however is to be wise with this time.
Q: What is it that I need to do right now to make the best use of the time? Goals, opportunities, relationships including my relationship with God
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5–6
Q: In what ways have I allowed opportunities to pass me by when I have the chance to interact with people who may not know God?
Q: Has the way I speak been “always full of grace” (unmerited favor, kindness, encouraging)? If no, describe two recent instances / conversations?
Q: What is one statement or topic of conversation that would inspire words full of grace and seasoned with salt (edifying and faith building) that I can share around others?
Q: How can I remind myself to make the most of every opportunity in my interactions and relationships with others?
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9
Q: What is God‘s perspective on time in terms of how much has passed?
Q: What can I learn about the events of my life where I feel like so much time has passed, which can make me feel way behind in life?
Q: What is God telling me when I feel like too much time has passed and too many errors have been made?
Q: If I ever feel my God has given up on me, what comfort do I see in this scripture?
It is a fact that time will keep moving on, but as long as we have breath in our lungs, we can accomplish the goals that God has put on our hearts according to his plan, we can mend and strengthen relationships that are meant to be in our lives, and we can impact other people who may not know the hope and love of God by making the most of the opportunities we have with them. Rise and Shine Bright.
Awesome read! Thanks for this
Thanks for your feedback Deniece!! Hope it’s helpful!