TIME & TIME AGAIN

A Response to "Time and Time Again"

The Testing of God's People

Time and time again, God tests His people to see whether they are true in their relationship with Him. For His chosen people, Israel, He expected them to fulfill the covenant He made with them. He expected them to obey the laws of Moses to the last letter. This covenant relationship was a two-way thing. When Israel followed accordingly to the agreement, God took care of them and provided for their needs. But when they failed by turning to idolatry, He allowed other nations to conquer their cities and ravage the nation. The pattern is clear: blessing follows obedience, and judgment follows rebellion. This is not a harsh God but a faithful God who honors His covenant and calls His people back to Himself.

The Present Time

What about the present time? Is Covid 19 coincidental? Has it not changed our lifestyles and our ways of doing things? This pandemic has driven us to the so-called "new normal" of doing things for fear of getting infected. Our routines have been disrupted. Our gatherings have been limited. Our priorities have been re-examined. This is not just a health crisis; it is a spiritual wake-up call. Is God behind all of this? Is this His way of getting our attention for the relationship we once had—our first love for Him, our zeal, our faithfulness? Or is He planning to unleash something new before the soon coming of the Bridegroom for His bride, the church? Are we so ignorant? Or are we like Issachar, knowing the season and time? What is God really looking for this time? Do we know?

The Pandemic's Message

The pandemic has caused us to rethink the way we used to do things. The lock-down speaks so clearly to us that we do not need buildings to have meetings. The church is not a building; it is a people. Huge church buildings have been razed to the ground by bulldozers, and beautiful churches are being bought over for other worship purposes. The pandemic has caused an economic downturn. Many have lost their jobs. Some churches and ministries have had to close down. Some ministers might have to return home. But perhaps they have to go so that the right ones can come. God knows what He is doing. Bracing ourselves for the coming time is crucial. We cannot assume that the old ways will continue. God is doing something new, and we must be ready.

Ministry-Wise

Over the years, we have seen how the same things have been done over and over again. Do we really run out of creative ideas in spite of knowing that our God is so creative? Are we seeking God for any new change in the ministry entrusted to us? Isn't His wisdom so desperately needed now? We cannot afford to be stagnant. We cannot afford to rely on past successes. We must seek God for fresh direction, fresh vision, and fresh methods. The world is changing, and the church must adapt. Not to conform to the world, but to reach the world. Not to compromise the message, but to communicate the message effectively.

The Call to Pray

We ought to pray. This is not a time for complacency. It is a time for urgency. It is a time for seeking God's face like never before. We need wisdom. We need discernment. We need direction. We need to know what God is doing and what He wants us to do. Prayer is not just a religious activity; it is the lifeline of the church. It is the source of our strength, the key to our guidance, and the foundation of our ministry. We cannot afford to neglect prayer. We cannot afford to rely on our own understanding. We must seek the Lord with all our hearts.

Final Reflection

Time and time again, God tests His people. Time and time again, He calls us back to Himself. Time and time again, He asks us to trust Him and obey Him. What is He looking for this time? He is looking for a people who will seek Him, who will love Him, who will obey Him, and who will be ready for what He is about to do. Do not be ignorant of the times. Do not be complacent. Seek the Lord. Know the season. And be ready for the new thing He is about to do.

Prayer for Wisdom and Direction

Lord, give me wisdom and discernment for this time. Help me to understand what You are doing and what You want me to do. Help me to not be stuck in the old ways but to be open to the new things You are bringing. Give me the courage to change and the faith to follow. Help me to be like Issachar, knowing the season and time. I pray for Your church, that we would be ready for the coming of the Bridegroom. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.