There is a time for everything.

Everything we do in life has been perfectly moulded for us by our heavenly father. He created us and our life before we were conceived.

Jeremiah 1:5

‘Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.’

How amazing is that! Before we were even formed God knew exactly how our life would play out. He knows exactly where we are going and what we will be doing every second, minute, and hour of everyday. For the rest of our lives we have a father that knows exactly what we need and where He will lead us.

As humans, we tend to worry and be anxious about the future but we don't need to be at all! Just like it says in Philippians 4:6-7 ''Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.''

Sometimes I always wonder whether I will get married and have a family and it has worried me but I always give it over to God. For I know it will happen in His timing! God’s timing is perfect.

One book in the bible that comes to mind when talking about timing is Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes 3 is one of my favourite passages because it talks about timing in God’s hands is perfect and everything we do, wherever He leads us, has been planned for us.

Ecclesiastes 3 says;

‘There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven:

A time to give birth and a time to die;

A time to plant and a time to uproot;

A time to kill and a time to heal;

A time to tear down and a time to build;

A time to weep and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn and a time to dance;

A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;

A time to search and a time to count as lost;

A time to tear and a time to sew;

A time to be silent and a time to speak;

A time to love and a time to hate;

A time for war and a time for peace.’

Timing to God is different to ours. That does not mean it will not be good for us because He knows exactly what we need. But, I love how God never misses anything out that we don't need. Sometimes we may feel upset, because what we hoped for didn't happen, and that God hasn't provided for us. But Of course he has and He will!! We need to pray that God will open our hearts and eyes to His plans.

Friends, most of the time things don't go how we planned and that's okay. At the end of the day, we need to keep praying and telling God, ‘Not my will, but yours be done father.’

After all our father knows us intimately, He made us and so therefore, why would our father who is all-knowing, all-powerful, compassionate, and most definitely loving give us something that won't benefit us? It just wouldn't make sense and that is because that isn't true. God always gives us the things we need and His plans always work out better.

Hence, when something does not happen the way we planned, let's not lose hope because our father knows what we need even before we know we need it. So let’s celebrate that something better is coming! It is imperative to know that when we hope for something or pray for something and it doesn't happen straight away, it does not mean God hasn't heard us.

Jeremiah 29:12

‘You will call to me, and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.’

God listens to us and He is attentively waiting for you to talk to Him.

God has something even greater in store for us, something above our wildest dreams. When we receive what God has already planned, we will rejoice because we will know that if we received what we thought was right, it would not have been as good as what our father has given us.

Remember, His promises never fail. They never fail! God's promises are beautiful and He will never not keep His promises.

Many of you know I was meant to be in Sydney right now, studying at Hillsong college. I have been to Australia 4 times now and God put this nation on my heart in 2014. I know that He wants me to spread the gospel to children and their families. I am not sure in what context yet, but I know He will reveal this to me when the time is right.

But let's be honest for a minute. I was heartbroken when I found out Australia had shut their borders. I was worried with all the uncertainty around, will I go or will I not go? But, I gave it to God because He knew this would happen way before I did. That day God placed this bible verse in my heart and I have got to share it with you.

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you” - this is the Lord’s declaration - “Plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

I love how this is coming directly from Jesus, Our Lord and Saviour. You know God’s plans are for our own well-being. Like i was saying before about how we sometimes know what we need (which will lead to disaster) but God gives us something different which is ALWAYS for our good. God knows us so intimately that His plans are to help us to prosper and to give us a future. Therefore, we need to keep our eyes on Him and have hope! Better days are coming!

Since lock-down, what I didn't realise until now is that I needed to have this extra time with God and with my family/friends. I still don't know if i'm going to Australia, but what I do know is that God has placed this nation on my heart and it will happen in His timing. Because like it says in Ecclesiastes, ‘There is a time for everything and a time for EVERY activity under heaven.’

Just like I said before. God’s promises never fail. If God has promised you something, it will come to pass because God always keeps His promises. He is a promise-keeper.

I know this pandemic has stopped lots of peoples plans and put things on hold. Whether that be a wedding, a holiday, a move, a house sale, a new business, and for many people their jobs. But, I have some good news because the God we serve, will help us to rise up and thrive. We will do things better than we would have done before. Because things always happen for a reason. God always helps us and makes a way for us. I want you to know that it is the same for you too. God has your life planned out. Every little detail has been perfectly placed together for you.

I think for many of us and I hope you agree, that we have been able to realise what is most important in our life during the last 14 weeks. I know we have learnt so much in this season, even if it doesn't feel like it. It has most definitely made us realise what is important in life and that is relationships, friendships, and love.

My prayer for you is that you will grow into the likeness of Jesus and you will never forget what this season has taught you and helped you to grow in. You will without a doubt, leave this season, stronger, healthier, and much happier!

By allowing God to lead you and by you trusting Him with his timing, it enables you to grow closer to Him. So much so, we will become a radiant light for the kingdom of God.

Let’s do this!

Lois (Founder of The Art of Everyday blog)