We serve the All-Knowing God who keeps an eye on us all the time. God is never surprised. He knows everything before it happens. Psalm 139 says He knows our thoughts before we think them, and our yet unuttered words.
Most of us need to grow in the area of trust and attempt to silence the big question—WHEN?
I spent a large part of my life impatient, frustrated, and disappointed. Through many experiences, I have learned to trust the One Who knows all.
I pray your spirit will become peaceful as you rest in Him, trusting that in the words of King David, “your times are in His very capable hands” (Ps. 31:15, paraphrased).
Wisdom To Understand “When”
Jesus told the disciples in Acts 1:6-8, when they asked Him questions concerning the end times, that it was not for them to know what time would bring and the seasons which the Father had appointed by His own choice and personal power.
You see, the disciples still thought Jesus would set up an earthly kingdom. They asked when He would re-establish the kingdom and restore it to Israel.
Jesus had been unable to get them to understand that He was going to establish a spiritual kingdom and that His kingdom would be within them.
The Bible warns us that knowledge without wisdom is dangerous. It would have been disastrous for Jesus to tell the disciples when He would establish the kingdom since they did not even understand what it was.
Many times we want information on when, and God cannot give it because we do not have enough wisdom to handle the knowledge.
Habakkuk says,
For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.
(Hab. 2:3 AMP)
It will not be late one single day.
Appointed time also means a time already established and decided for certain reasons. It is like having an appointment. We cannot get in until the appointment time comes, and that is just the way it is.
God has an appointed time, or we might say that He has set appointments for us concerning certain issues in our lives. We might as well settle down and wait patiently because that is when it will happen and not until then.
(Tulsa: Harrison House, 1998) All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A New York Times bestselling author, her books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches on a number of topics with a particular focus on the mind, mouth, moods and attitudes. Her candid communication style allows her to share openly and practically about her experiences so others can apply what she has learned to their lives.
Joyce hosts a TV and radio show, Enjoying Everyday Life, which broadcasts worldwide to a potential audience of 4.5 billion people. She has authored 100 books, which have been translated into more than 100 languages. More than 12 million of her books have been distributed free of charge around the world, and each year millions of copies are sold.
Joyce conducts close to a dozen domestic and international conferences every year, teaching people to enjoy their everyday lives. For 30 years, her annual women's conference has attracted more than 200,000 women from all over the world to St. Louis for specifically themed teachings by her and guest speakers.
Through her teachings, God has provided opportunities to meet the needs of the suffering and bring the Gospel in a practical way. Joyce's passion to help hurting people every day is foundational to the vision of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. These outreaches around the globe include feeding programs, medical care, homes for orphans, and programs combatting human trafficking. In her hometown of St. Louis, Joyce and Dave, her husband, founded the St. Louis Dream Center (SLDC) in 2000. The SLDC serves the inner city through hands-on programs targeted at reaching the lost and hurting with the love of Christ.
Over the years, God has provided Joyce with many opportunities to share her testimony and the life-changing message of the Gospel. Having suffered sexual abuse throughout her childhood, as well as just dealing with the struggles of everyday life, Joyce discovered the freedom to live victoriously by applying God's Word to her life and in turn desires to help others do the same.
Joyce is and continues to be an incredible testimony of the dynamic, redeeming work of Jesus Christ.
