The western world measures time in what we think are universally understood and unchanging increments — seconds, minutes, and minutes. Time is a raw material to be used efficiently. It’s important to remember that God is the author of time. God’s highest use of time is to transform humans, and He does this at a pace we don’t always understand:
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9
God, creator of all things, designed the natural world. So, many of Jesus’ parables involve agricultural images. He teaches using the rhythms of crops and seasons as illustrations. The pace is slower than what we are accustomed to, and different seasons play different roles. For example, some fruit trees need a minimum number of “chill hours” in winter to bear fruit. Remember that the next time you are in a season of dormancy!
Take, for example, the parable of the lilies of the field which shows how God provides for us. Jesus instructs his disciples to meditate on the natural order, to pray, to seek God’s kingdom as top priority. None of these activities can be completed or indulged in haphazardly. It takes a lifetime of practicing, even making mistakes, allowing oneself to be transformed by this outlook.
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.“ Matthew 6:28-33
What about times that Jesus performed miracles of healing instantly? These instances are a completely different way of relating to time than the world of his day or our modern world. Time is immaterial in these instances — all that matters is the mighty power of God intervening on peoples’ behalf. Jesus heals a man with leprosy, he heals the Centurion’s daughter. He heals many people possessed with evil spirits and “all the sick” (Matthew 8:16). These examples are very different from the agricultural parables. What stands out in these cases is that Jesus demonstrates God’s power as he heals individuals. But how does this healing transform their lives?
Where are you in your journey with Christ? What are your expectations for the pace at which He will transform your life? If you have been walking with Christ for many years, have your expectations changed? In what way? Have you learned to grow at His pace? Have you become frustrated and stopped growing altogether? Do you allow others to grow at the pace God has for them? Ask God for insights about how He transforms believers.
by Sherry Sommer
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