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Understand the Times

August 25, 2014

Of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command. 1 Chronicles 12:32 NKJV

Right on Time. God has a plan and nothing takes Him by surprise. There was a group of observant people in the Old Testament—Issachar’s tribe—and they were described in two ways: They had understanding of the times and they knew what Israel should do. In our generation, God has called and equipped us to understand our times and to know what to do.

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV

Rely on God’s Timing. God has impeccable timing—He is not last-minute. If you are in an uncertain moment, you can look to God who will give you wisdom for the next steps. As you rely on Him, He is going to get you where you need to be when you need to be there.

For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14 NKJV

Created for This Time. At a critical moment when the Jewish people were threatened, Mordecai told his cousin, Esther, that she had better step up. She did, and the results were amazing. God used her to rescue an entire people group from extermination. God’s hand is on your life and it’s time to step up and trust Him; it’s time to think differently. God will do great things through simple obedience.

Daily Confession
Jesus is the author and finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:2). I am created for such a time as this. I understand the times and I know what to do. Faithful is God who calls me and He will also bring it to pass (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

un•der•stand•ing, noun
The knowledge and ability to judge a particular situation or subject.

Press on,
Pastor Jeff

Copyright © 2014 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. “Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 19 Aug. 2014.