This Christmas season I’ve been watching episodes of the Christmas Cookie Challenge. It’s amazing what they are able to create from cookie dough. I tend to stick to the usual familiar Christmas cookies—family favorites that may never win a prize but are enjoyed each year by the people that matter to me.
One of the things that has struck me as I’ve watched these expert cookie makers is the importance of timing. They need to make the dough early enough to allow time for the cookies to bake. They need to get the cookies out of the oven in enough time to cool so they aren’t too hot to decorate. Timing is of the utmost importance.
Timing is important to God too. Galatians 4:4 makes that very clear. “But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son…” I love that phrase. It wasn’t that God thought it seemed like a nice time, or that He figured it was as good a time as any. His Son’s birth took place at exactly the right time. The right time in history. The right culture. The right young girl to be His mother. The right time politically.
Other versions say, “the fullness of time.” Time was full of everything that was right for this amazing event. And what was true of the birth of Jesus is also true of His return. God isn’t just waiting until He’s in the mood, or until He’s so sick of things down here He decides “enough is enough.” God will send His Son again when the time has fully come. Not a moment too soon and not a moment too late.
I find great encouragement and comfort in this reminder. I’m in a waiting period right now and it helps to remember that God is waiting too. He’s waiting for the fullness of time— waiting for when everything is right according to His plan for me. One of my favorite verses (especially during times of waiting) is Isaiah 60:22. “I am the LORD; in its time I will do this swiftly.” When the fullness of times comes, God doesn’t hesitate.
The cookie makers don’t always have their timing right and it shows in the results. God’s timing is always perfect. God waits until the fullness of time—when everything is exactly right according to His plan and purpose. I find that to truly be “tidings of comfort and joy.”
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Thank you for sharing. As always His timing IS perfect. A much needed read for a week that has been a struggle to know what is coming. Praying for you always
I love these thoughts, Esther. In His perfect timing in all things! He is perfect & knows all things. Thank you for these reminders. When He returns will be the perfect timing or when He takes me home. Love you, Merry Christmas. Praying for you with this being your first without Peter
Always love hearing from you. Have a wonderful Christmas! Love you.
Praying for God to direct your steps – in His perfect time. Love you!
It’s so hard for me to remember & trust in all God’s good He has coming when Satan is working so hard to hurt & break everything apart. Reading this & having in writing & the verses are just perfect reminders Esther I can go back to during these times of waiting. Thank you.
Be more fun to share these things in person but thankful we can still stay in touch. I miss our “tiny group.” <3