THE FATHER’S APPOINTED TIME

“Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.” – Galatians 4:1-2

REFERENCE: 

Galatians 4:1-7

Timing is everything in life. Solomon said, “To everything, there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Certain things will only happen at certain times; this is why Paul said that a child, although an heir or inheritor of his Father’s estate, will be treated as a slave and put under instructors until he is ripe to access the estate, at the Father’s appointed time.

Because of immaturity, a child cannot handle some responsibilities or enjoy some privileges. Doing that may jeopardize the balanced development of the child. So, although he has a right to his Father’s estate, he cannot claim it until he attains the required level of maturity. Time and his engagement in self-development will deliver this maturity to him.

As a child of God, Paul said, “All things are yours” (I Cor 3:21). You may wonder why all things are not yet at your disposal. That is a function of the Father’s appointed time, which rests on your decision to grow from being a child to a full-grown man in spiritual things. Many scripture promises may not come to you yet because there is no spiritual backbone to support them. Paul talks about the ‘weight’ of glory; it takes maturity to bear it.

If you remain a baby in spiritual things, you will become a liability because babies can’t help themselves or others. Spiritual babies are kindergarten in their knowledge of Christ; they are ignorant of the Word, rarely pray, go to church only when it is convenient, are easily offended, lack the evidence of the fruit of the Spirit, and satan easily manipulates them.

When is the Father’s appointed time for you? It is no particular date. It can be today, tomorrow, next year, a decade later, or never. It all depends on you. If you engage in spiritual exercises: study the Word, stretch your faith, be a giver, pray continually, gather with other believers, etc., you will hasten your appointed day. Paul told Timothy, “…give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.” Now is the Father’s appointed time for you.

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL STUDY:

Hebrews 5:12-14, I Timothy 4:13-15, and Acts 20:32

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PRAYERS:

+ Pray for grace to be faithful in pursuing God and growing in your walk with Him.

+ Pray that as you grow in the Word, you will be built up and partake of your inheritance in Christ Jesus.

+ Declare that you will meet your appointed time. You will be ready when your time comes.