“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 pluck what is planted;
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 of war, And a time of peace.What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.”Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
I’m so grateful for the times and seasons of God. He knows the end from the beginning, but we do not. The LORD invites us into a journey and gives us light, usually just for the step ahead. I have often prayed that I would be like the sons of Issachar, knowing the times and the seasons and what to do in them.
As you may recall, before I left for Eurasia & the Middle East, I mentioned that I felt the next three months were critical times for seeking the Lord for this ministry and His next steps. In the shadow of that trip, there have been trips to Kentucky, Delaware, preaching opportunities, hosting teams to Prayer Mountain, Daily HOPE broadcasts, prayer meetings, and even a surprise interview with ABC News Louisville. And there are still more opportunities to come. With each unique experience, I’m beginning to see some themes emerge.
First, while overseas, God really spoke to me about the need to just show up. It’s time we start pouring out to the next generation all that He has poured into us. It’s time for the mothers and fathers to arise. It’s time for us to wake up and realize we all have so much to offer! If we have been saved for even a day, we have HOPE to give to others. Many of us have been waiting to feel prepared and ready, but God is just asking us to show up, be present and be the moms and dads we were called to be.
“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Romans 13:11-14
“Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:14-17
Second, we must fix our eyes on Jesus. When I was asked to lead worship at 50 Hours I could have said, “No, my hearing is really bad. What if I screw it up? I better not.” Instead I said “YES”. As I sat at the keyboard thinking “what have I done? Will I be able to hear and sing in the right key?” I heard the Lord say, “Fix your eyes on ME!” As I just remembered I wasn’t doing this for me – I was doing it for Jesus – I decided I was singing to and for an audience of One. As long as I kept my eyes on Him, I had no concerns about it. The minute I began to focus on those in the room and the distractions around me, I began to struggle to hear. It was an enlightening moment. Whatever He has called us to do, let’s fix our eyes on Him. If He called, He is faithful.
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1,2
Lastly, the Lord has me focusing on faithfulness in this season. My job is to hear and obey. I’m responsible for my obedience, being faithful to Him. He is responsible for the success. I think He views success very differently than I do. I was recently reminded of something the Lord spoke to me in 2019 during my quiet time: “Be faithful. Cultivate faithfulness. Faithful to the Lord, His call, His church. Don’t worry about the outcome. Just be faithful. Faithfulness leads to fruitfulness over time. Long haul – not short term. Have vision to eternity. You don’t have to be or do everything. Just be faithful to your piece – your part of the call. Full of faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. God rewards those who diligently seek Him. I would have given up had I not believed I would see (faith) the goodness of God in the land of the living. It’s time for faith to arise.
“Trust in the Lord & do good. Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.” Psalm 37:3
In the words of Eugene Peterson, the Christian life is “a long obedience in the same direction.” That is what I am seeking at this time. Lord, help me be faithful – let me show up, let me be the mom You created me to be, let me fix my eyes on You, leaving the results to You. I’m praying that for you as well. May we all be found cultivating faithfulness.
Seeking His face,
Julie
