Galatians 4:4
“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law”.
The phrase "the fullness of time" speaks volumes. It's like a woman pregnant with a child. There are plenty of stages, but there is a time when the child is developed and ready to enter the world. It's the right time.
Some children are born premature and have to be closely watched and cared for. The time wasn't right for them. When things are done prematurely, much has to be done to make it right. This reminds of how we can force things to get what we want. The Lord may have approved it, but the timing may not have been right.
When we force things we are ignoring the warning signs that the Lord sends. This is to harden one's heart. Jesus addresses this in Matthew 13:15, "For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them."
Part of walking with Christ is deciphering and obeying His voice. He can put prompts to proceed, cautions to slow down or warnings to stop. When we ignore those we are hardening our hearts. In the context of todays focus, we may be forcing circumstances to match our wishes. We aren't waiting for the fulness of time.
How does the Lord communicate these to us? The primary filter and the main way He speaks to us is through the bible. He says He loves us unconditionally, we are believe that. He's given the Ten Commandments and other things to avoid. Those commendations we are to do and the restrictions we are stay away. The Lord puts His peace in our hearts (Philippians 4:7). Sometimes He interrupts that to get our attention. Our consciences might be a painful reminder of something to avoid. Circumstances are another way He gets our attention. He opens and closes doors. Sometimes it's the words of others. They may be addressing us directly or the comment of another may hit a nerve.
When we act selfishly, others are usually affected adversely. The others could be family, friends or coworkers. This is common at work as people seeking to promote themselves leave others behind. This is a worldly mind. God wants us to think differently.
Philippians 2:3 says, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves." This doesn't mean we don't seek promotions, but do our best and leave the results to God.
The Lord works patience and trust in us. Heb 11:6 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." This is what trusting God looks like. We know that He will reward us. In an allegorical sense, our hands are gripped tightly to our wishes. We do this because we think it will make us happy. Yet as we get to know the Lord better, we realize He wants our best. We can lighten the grip. That may be the message or it may be to let it go.
Faith says, "I think this will make me happy. If the Lord wants me to pause this or to let it go, then He must have even better things". This is very liberating. I don't have to worry about my interests. He's got them. Jesus asks us to do some challenging things. To turn the other cheek, to forgive endlessly, to put the interest of others ahead of our own are just a few. This normally would be threatening. However, faith can do this without fear. The Lord will reward our obedience.
We can wait for the fulness of time without fear. We don't have to force circumstances. We can put a light touch and follow His lead. We can say with David, "surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life..." (Psalm 23).
Thank You, Lord, for Your great love. Thank You for Your patience with us. Help us to have that light touch and to not fear.