Do You Believe God?

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, and came to the Mount of Olives, Then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, The Lord has need of them, and immediately he will send them.” Matthew 21:1-3

God can be trusted? There are a myriad of passages in the Bible that reveal this as well as the testimony of countless millions who have found His Word to be true through the ages. This week’s aspect of God’s character deals with God’s providence and time.

God’s timing is perfect:

Consider again the passage above. Looking into the text one can see the aspect of God’s providence in time permeates the entire passage. When the pen of Zechariah wrote this prophesy in the 6th century before Christ he had no assurance when this would come to pass but only that it would. Our awesome God saw through the fabric of time to a day when His beloved Son would top a hill at the Mount of Olives, send forth two men (at just the right time) to meet a person (at just the right time) who had a colt (born at just the right time) that He would be willing to let the Lord use (for such a time). This grand orchestration of events took place on the one Passover (determined before time began) when Christ would give His life for mankind. Are you getting the picture? The author of time itself sets things in motion but never remains aloof to the outcome. God has a plan for every moment in time. Nothing surprises Him nor remains hidden from His eyes. This is true when we please the Lord with faithfulness, when we serve the Lord in humility, but also when we break the heart of God with our sin.

It is amazing to me that as much as believers say that God is omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful), and omnipresent (everywhere at one time), at times they live like He is not. Maybe, God forbid, many believe it but just don’t care. Though this passage does not speak to God’s timing directly (see the list at the bottom of the page for further passages) it is important that the Bible is not merely seen as a collection of nice stories to make people feel better about themselves. That is what the world wants to make it. Every word penned has with it the purpose of revealing God to us. From cover to cover God demonstrates His character, His plans, His decrees, His law, and His great love for a sinful people.

During His ministry, Jesus made every moment a divine appointment from the Father. Each joy and trial was viewed through providence. Not only what happened but when it occurred as well. So how does God’s time apply to a 21st century believer? I am glad you asked. If you have you ever had a day, a week, or even a season of life where it seems that things are out of control, when you can’t take anymore of the trials life throws your way, God’s providence is important. When the pain of life appears overwhelming and you are tempted to think in that dark moment that God is not with you. Then, especially then, you can know that God timing is perfect. There is no single moment of time that He is not available to be your refuge. It is our choice in those times to seek refuge in Christ. Rest in peace child of God His character remains steadfast even when we think our foundation is more like shifting sand than solid rock.

Passages to consider regarding God’s providence and timing: Jer. 1:5, Ps. 139, Mt. 8:29, Mt. 26:18, Mk. 1:15, Jn. 7:6&8, Rom. 5:6