Time: Running Out or Running With?
“Many of My kids suffer from a chronic sense that they are behind. Truly, many have wasted time, and even squandered time running after things that were not from Me, running away from Me, or simply doing nothing. But it was never about any performance than Mine. Truly, I do partner with My kids, but I AM able to redeem time and it is especially My pleasure to do so with hearts turned toward Me that have no hope except in Me. Here is where I shine most brightly on behalf of My kids. My understanding of time is different from humankind for I AM the Master of it. I can speed it up or slow it down. And I can and will do this on behalf of My kids. My tender mercies are truly renewed every day. Note, they are tender – not full of a harsh rebuke for wasted time. Do not buy into the world’s definition of what can be done with the time you have left on the earth. For I AM the Author and Finisher of faith. And it is My faith that I can accomplish through you the beautiful, powerful plans that I made for you before I created you. Do not look towards yourself, for the grace is not there. It is only found in Me, for apart from Me you can do nothing. By operating out of your union with Me, we will do incredible things together. Do not let the world limit you. Do not let fear bully you into drawing back. I AM not only with you, but I AM in you and one with you! We can truly do all the things that I planned for you before the foundation of the world.
So take a deep healing breath. I AM the One upholding you. And we shall do it together!”
The fear of running out of time to fulfill the call on my life tormented and drove me for years. Anyone relate? I wrote in a recent blog that I have always been very time conscious and, for better or worse, a highly developed multi-tasker. When I was 27, I finally woke up to the reality of Who God is and an inkling of the call on my life. I felt I started out behind and was terrified that I would not fulfill those purposes. I was a mess and needed a lot of time to be restored. And, in the meantime, the clock was ticking… tick tock!
And what was God doing about this time urgency? He was about His top priority in my life – me. In my book, Marked by Love, I share a vision I had about me in hell, that consisted of an infinitesimally intricate mass of mazes – impossible to get out of. And there was Jesus, resolutely focused, but totally relaxed and purposefully, painfully, unhurried. I wanted to yell at Jesus, “Hey, don’t you know this is hell – let’s get the hell out of here!” But I had had enough training in hellish backdrops that I knew enough to steady myself, settle down, and learn what I was supposed to learn. There were multiple lessons in this encounter, but the one I want to highlight here is the attitude and perspective of Jesus. What was important? The answer was – me – my development in authority, championship, and faith, and most importantly, a deepening of intimacy with and dependency upon Him. This took time, and this takes time. You and I are so important that He is willing, and urges us to be willing, to invest our limited resources of time in order to be developed.
Christ, as the Son of Man, had the most important call of any human throughout all time. He expended 30 years in development for a mere 3 years of ministry, that at the end looked like a staggeringly complete failure.
The truth is that the ability to fulfill the call of God on our lives is utterly humanly impossible. Christ said it – apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). But with Him all things are possible (Matthew 19:26) and nothing is impossible (Matthew 17:20). God is the author of the entity of time (Genesis 1:5). He Lords over it – He knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). He IS the beginning and the end (Revelation 21:6).
He made the plans He had for you before the foundation of time (Ephesians 2:10, AMP):
For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
If He intended you to fulfill those plans, how much grace will He extend to help you do just that with the time you have left? Paul broaches the same question in Romans 8:32, KJV:
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
How is it possible that He would not accelerate the “thing” of time for you to accomplish His good and perfect will?
So be at rest. He is Love (1 John 4:8). And perfect Love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). You’re forgiven for all the stupid stuff you’ve done. You’re forgiven for all the time you’ve wasted. You’re smack dab on the center of Love, Who can do all things. You are the object of His delight.
This is not about you sprinting or duking it out to get it all done. It is not so hopeless that you have justification to throw up your hands and medicate your way through life. He is pre-pleased with you because you are one with Him. He chose you. Your innocence has been restored in Him.
This is not about you and your failings and limitations against the backdrop of running out of time. This is about you and Him and the beauty of Who He is, what He is doing in you, and is doing through you.
It’s so beautifully written! God is truly the Master of Time.
Thank you – that is so kind! God truly is masterful! Thanks for sharing!
It’s so beautifully written! God is truly the Master of Time.
This is so good! I have listened to many teachings that have invoked fear about this topic. Your post is a breath of fresh air and comfort knowing Papa is guiding us.
Oh I love this – thank you for sharing! God is a god of Love, you have to question if He is being represented properly when the fruit of the discussion is fear. Perfect love casts out fear! – Blessings, Catherine
Thank you kindly for your God inspired word sister Catherine! I have felt stuck, speaking both figuratively and lit for fifteen years been paraplegic!! I believe the Lord has saved me from not only one near death car wreck but from the second one as well though not so fortunate to walk away from the that one. In both, separate head traumas/injuries.. I have felt God’s call in this life I am blessed to be able to be alive in Christ Jesus today! As you can see I have not commented here on much about the word you were given. Reason being my second head trauma-injury has made any retainable memory nearly impossible to remember. So It pains me to have to say, I can read and read and i do I occupy my time with reading God’s Word- the Bible but when it’s out of my sight, it’s out of my mind.” My apologies, I enjoy reading your word from the Lord today, and one thing I will say is I believe God got His Love and His anointing in and on me to do things for His purposes that’s much bigger than myself and I want to bring Him all the thanks praises glory and honor in whatever it is through His Son Jesus’s name, Amen!!! The limitation on and in me I’m learning the practice of patience and I will wait to hear His still small and at times nvisible voice, i often ask that I will hear His whisper! In Jesus’s name, Amen!!!
~Carlos
Thanks so much for connecting, Carlos – standing with you for the manifestation of healing and wholeness and His glorious presence! – Blessings, Catherine
Wow1! I usually feel like I don’t have enough time to do all the things I need to do. But God has been helping me to do things from a position of rest, and to reorganize and prioritize. This is a confirmation for me. A word in season! Thank you.
Love this – how marvelous the things you are learning and being empowered to walk out! Thanks so much for connecting! – Blessings, Catherine
This is so timely! Very encouraging for me today. Thank you Catherine, thank you Jesus!
So glad to hear you have been encouraged! Thank you for encouraging me and the team by letting us know! – Blessings to you and your loved ones, Catherine!
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing, Catherine! <3
Thanks Rachel for connecting – so love and appreciate you! <3! - Catherine
Thank you Catherine what a timely word for me. I am 54 have 2 kids 4 grandkids and have been in ministry for 30 years in many capacities: on a worship team, church nursery director, small groups leader, and for fifteen years a Children’s Pastor. But two years ago resigned from that position and now am at a place where I’m wondering what now God? What is my purpose now?
So thank you for the timing of God.
Oh wow – thanks Sonja for all you have done for the kingdom – what a beautiful testimony! Standing with you for the “what next” – He will totally honor you as a seasoned minister and glorious daughter! Blessings to you and yours! – Catherine
Well talk about an answer to prayer. Both my husband and I have had it spoke over us that God had placed a special calling on our lives and with everything we have been through. It just seemed for awhile that we were doing nothing but getting older and I so much want to be a voice for God. My husband and I were talking about direction last night and this morning I decided I was going to study the Word all week what ever it took to get an answer. You just dont know how this word God gave you has come at such the right time. I personally dont know you but I have to say I love you Catherine Toon. Thank you for letting God use you.
Love Linda
Dear Linda – what a beautiful heart you have! God will totally move through you – there’s something about seasoned saints that are mature and primed that is amazing! Standing with you for that next purpose and the direction you need! And love you too, my sister – Catherine
Thank you Catherine – so good, and exactly how I usually feel – like I’ve wasted too much time. Yet, I don’t think I knew how to do things differently either. Sigh… this is a needed reminder!!
Be at rest sweet Brenda! God is masterful at redeeming time!