There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
As we come to the close of 2018 most of us do some reflection on what has been and then we tend to envisage what will be in the year ahead. All this mind and reflection work is related to our attitude, toward the time we have spent and the time ahead of us. We evaluate our time past and we look with anticipation to the time ahead.
But the problem is we can look at time itself - both past and future through human eyes and tend to leave God out of the picture. We can easily live life “under the sun” as though God did not exist. Yet it is He who is in full control and orders all moments of time! He even appoints every second and every event of our personal lives. This calls for our special attention, especially as believers to not waste your time. Do not miss the opportunities to do good and to “abhor what is evil; cling to what is good” and “ be devoted to one another in brotherly love..” (Rom. 12: 9-10).
The last fifteen years has been a block of time that the Lord has seen fit to have me serve at NCC as your pastor. This has been “an appointed time” which is now drawing to a close. The next “appointed time” is mainly unknown and every “event under heaven” in our next bloc of appointed time, is entirely in the Lord’s hands. Why? Because we know and are assured like the psalmist, “My times are in your hand;” (Psalm 31:15).
My testimony over the years, in times of testing and turmoil as well as times of joy and blessing, is the great comfort and joy of knowing that the Lord is in full control of time and events.
Being the last ‘Pastors Comment’ by me, I challenge you all in your appointed time ahead, with all its changes - is that you “be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” (Eph. 5:15-16). May you all know the rich blessing found in Christ alone. Soli Deo Gloria!