For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV)
I’m in a group studying Ephesians. After our third meeting we have done the first 17 verses of chapter 1. You might think we are moving very slowly, but I will say we are exploring very deeply. Some of these ladies have decades more experience with the Lord and his Word, and even they are loving the slow, deep study, as we look at long-familiar verses through fresh perspectives.
Recently, part of our discussion got “caught” on the phrase “the fullness of time” from Ephesians 1:10.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth in him. (Ephesians 1:7-10 ESV)
I can look back in my life and see so many examples of when God did not rush to do something, but waited until the “fullness of time.” Waiting for a full-time ministry job until the right one opened up. Waiting for a husband until we were each ready. God, who makes everything beautiful in its time, is never hurried. He knows that to rush certain things is to keep them from being all that they could be. God’s fullness of time is perfect.
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5 ESV)
What is it you are waiting for?
A healing?
An improvement in a relationship?
Financial breakthrough?
A prodigal to come back to faith?
For still the vision awaits its appointed time… If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. (Habakkuk 2:3 ESV)
With the Lord one day is as a thousand years… The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness… (2 Peter 3:8-9 ESV)
This “Hymn of Promise” by Natalie Sleeth spoke to me; perhaps it will remind you, too, that “in the fullness of time,” things that have yet been “unrevealed until its season” are things that only God can see. Our job is to wait on the Lord, and trust that his timing is perfect.
In the bulb, there is a flower
In the seed, an apple tree
In cocoons, a hidden promise
Butterflies will soon be free
In the cold and snow of winter
There’s a spring that waits to be
Unrevealed until its season
Something God alone can see
There’s a song in every silence
Seeking word and melody
There’s a dawn in every darkness
Bringing hope to you and me
From the past will come the future
What it holds, a mystery
Unrevealed until its season
Something God alone can see
In our end is our beginning
In our time, infinity
In our doubt, there is believing
In our life, eternity
In our death, a resurrection
At the last, a victory
Unrevealed until its season
Something God alone can see
Patient God,
Thank you for your faithfulness in the many ways we have waited for your fullness of time. Help us to trust you and patiently wait for the things that are unrevealed until their seasons – things only You can see and do. We ask this in Jesus’s name, AMEN.
Songwriters: Natalie Sleeth