revdrwalter-t-richardson.jpg"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons." – Galatians 4:4

April is that time of year when, according to God’s timing and seasons, flowers start to appear, the birds begin to sing loudly and the atmosphere begins to smell like summer. 

April also begins the second quarter of the year, the season when things become due, including the filing of taxes. It is also time, beginning this month, for the NBA playoffs to begin and we are fortunate that our local team, the Miami Heat, are seeded number one and could go on to win another world championship this year.  

 

It was just two years when things came together for three star basketball players to work on the same team so they could pursue the coveted championship rings of the league. So LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh signed on to play on the same team. Last year it was a winning combination and the Miami Heat won the world title of champions in the NBA. But, can they repeat that feat this season? Is this the right combination, the right team and the right time? Timing is everything.

 

Most of us schedule the fulfillment of our hopes and dreams on an idealistic timetable. According to some studies, many want to be car owners by 18, college graduates by 25, married by 26, homeowners by 29 and established in a career by 30 and have two children by 35. Many, if not all, of our plans are made without consulting God about his timing for our lives. So we feel angst if the designated age passes and the desires of our hearts for that age have not yet come to fruition.  

 

But God operates on a different timetable than ours. While we operate by the calendar and the clock (chronos), God’s timing (chairos) is whenever He deems the timing is right and appropriate for our lives — in the fullness of time.  

 

When there is an acceptance of chairos and less emphasis on chronos, God does His best work. There is a reunion in the spirit realm between chairos and chronos where super meets natural, para meets normal and extra meets ordinary, where miracles are birthed, just in the nick of time.

 

 If you’re waiting for your miracle, surrender your chronos to His chairos and, in the fullness of time, yes, when the time is right, you will receive His best for you.

 

There are times when sickness, dis-ease, pain, uncontrolled inconvenience, unemployment, limited resources, failed relationships, arrogance, jealousy, hatred, disobedience in children, low self-esteem, obesity, substance abuse, racism, and sexism interfere with the timing of our destiny.

 

And, during those times, it’s always good to confront those challenges honestly, confess your own faults openly, cultivate your prayer life continually, commit your ways to the Lord daily – and then claim your victory passionately.

 

Because, when the time is right, in the words of the late Bishop Walter Hawkins, “You’re gonna win!”

 

Just like God waited until the time was right to send His son into the world, He has a plan for your life that will come forth in “due” season if you do not give up.

 

Amen.

Walter T. Richardson is pastor-emeritus of Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in South Miami-Dade County and chairman of the Miami-Dade Community Relations Board. He may be contacted at wtrichardson@Bellsouth.net. Website: WTRMinistries.com