"There is an appointed time for everything, and there is a right time for every activity under heaven." Eccl. 3:1 (NAB)
". . . David served God's purpose in his generation, then he died . . ." Acts 13:36
ANSWERING COMMON QUESTIONS
"A wise person does the right thing at the right time." Eccl. 8:5b (NCV)
"There is a right time and a right way to do everything, but we know so little! None of us knows what is going to happen, and there is no one to tell us." Eccl. 8:6-7 (TEV)
STEPS FOR DISCERNING THE BEST TIME TO MAKE A MAJOR CHANGE
1. ENLIST THE PRAYERS OF OTHER PEOPLE
"Brothers and sisters, I beg you to help me in my work by praying to God for me." Romans 15:30a (NCV)
Action Plan: Write down a major decision you are thinking about. Under it write down the names of people you have asked to pray for you. Put this someplace you see each day so you can pray for them also.
2. SEEK THE COUNSEL OF WISE FRIENDS
"Where there is no wise guidance people fall, but in the multitudeof counselors there is safety." Prov. 11:14 (AMP)
"Fools think they need no advice, but the wise person listens tothe advice of others." Prov. 12:15 (NLT)
Action Plan: Do you know someone that has gone through a similar decision and was thoughtful about the process? If so, take time to meet with them and discuss your decision and seek guidance from their experience.
3. BE QUIET AND LISTEN TO GOD IN HIS WORD
God told Elijah: "Go stand in the presence of the Lord outside your cave on the mountain . . . First, a violent windstorm came up that blasted the mountain . . . but the Lord was not in the wind. Next, a powerful earthquake shook everything, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. Next, was a scorching fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. But then came a soft whisper. It was the voice of God." 1 Kings 19:11-13 (NIV)
God's will is found IN GOD'S WORD
"I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow yourinstruction." Psalm 119:59 (NLT)
"I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw." Prov. 24:32 (NIV)
4. CONSIDER WHAT I DO BEST
"God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure touse them to help each other, passing on to others God's manykinds of blessings." 1 Peter 4:10 (LB)
5. TAKE THE TIME TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION
"It is a mistake to make an impulsive vow without thinking. Youwill regret it later!" Prov. 20:25
A GOOD decision is always better THAN A FAST ONE
". . . Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him setthe pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade." Romans 3:28 (MES)
"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Gal. 5:25 (NIV)
How Do I Keep In Step With The Holy Spirit?
BY SURRENDERING MY TIME TABLE
"I am trusting you alone, Lord. My times are in your hands." Psalm 31:14-15a
6. HUMBLY TRUST GOD FOR HIS TIMING
"We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God's hands." Prov. 16:1 (LB)
"Humble yourself under God's mighty hand, so that when theright time comes, God will lift you up!" 1 Peter 5:6 (TEV)
"'At the right time I hear your prayers. On the Day of Salvation Ihelped you.' I tell you that the right time is NOW, and the day of salvation is NOW!" 2 Cor. 6:2 (NCV)
Action Plan: Each day or each moment you think about the major change you are considering, take a moment and turn it over to God in prayer. The perfect timing is God's timing, not yours.
