“To everything there is a season; A time for every purpose under heaven.”  Ec 3:1

Whether in sports or stocks—or nearly anything we do—the adage “timing is everything” is immutably true. So when the Word equates living by the Spirit and keeping in step with the Spirit (Gal 5:25 NIV), the implication is clear: it is not enough to only know what God wants us to do; we must also discern when. 

Soon after David’s rule over all Israel had been established in Hebron, 1 Chronicles 12 says he tabulated the size and strengths of each tribe’s contribution to Israel’s army. Some were praised for their courage, others for their skill. Still others were celebrated for their esprit de corps, or their “stoutheartedness”. One tribe’s commendation stands out, distinct among them all. Displaying a particularly prophetic bent, v. 32 says the sons of Issachar “kept up-to-date in their understanding of the times and knew what Israel should do”. If I was King David, I’d have made sure some of these guys were among my closest advisors! Success or defeat in battle depended on it. 

We have clocks conveniently placed throughout our home. When we know the hour, the kids are not late for school, and the girls all know when to get ready to go out for the evening and make themselves beautiful. The guys don’t get to the basketball match and find the court cleared of everyone except the janitor. Timing matters. 

Raised in an agrarian society, being unaware of the season is a recipe for disaster. You can’t plant your seed in the Winter or gather a harvest in Spring. I remember times being mobilized to urgently cover our gardens with tarps under the threat of an early frost that would result in the tomato, zucchini, and cucumber crops being destroyed. There were also times we labored tirelessly to gather as many veggies as we could before the darkness consumed us. 

These images—having our weapons or sickles at the ready—serve as natural reminders of a spiritual principle: we must cry out to God for discernment to know the times and seasons of our spiritual journey. Sometimes we are called to wait; at other times we need to put on our running shoes. When the fields of souls are white unto harvest, we don’t want to think it’s still four months from now. When Holy Spirit gives the green light, may we never be caught asleep at the wheel. 

Sadly, this was the case for most of the Jews in the days of Jesus. They missed the time of their visitation. Beloved, let us be warned!

Without a doubt, another day of visitation is immanent. The hands of God’s clock are clicking towards an hour when the alarm of revival will sound. Some will hear it, and some will not. Some will be prepared; others will be caught unaware because they are distracted and entangled with other things. Some will hear the heartbeat of their Lover at the door and stay vigilant; others will have grown tired due to frivolous or imprudent pursuits, and slumber. 

God, raise us up like sons of Issachar in this hour. It is late. We know that God is going to move; Lord, show us when. Help us discern Your seasons and understand the circled dates on Your calendar that we might truly live by, and keep in step with, Your Spirit. 

“Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near…” Is 55:6