“And of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs and all their kinsmen were under their command.” 1 Chr 12:32 (Amplified)
The above passage shows that understanding of the times and seasons of life will lead us to do what is necessary in order to guarantee the outcome that we expect. In line with God’s word that every thing or purpose has a time of fulfilment, it means that we need to do certain things in line with the season that we are in. For example, God’s word assures us that there is a time to sow as well as time to reap. His word also states that he that does not sow shall not reap, yet many of us somehow expect to reap where we have not sown and wonder at why things are not going our way when we feel that it should. The simple truth is that if we refuse to sow at the right season, we will also struggle to reap at the right season. The key question is how do we know what we should be doing and at what time. In other words, how can we discern the times and the seasons to enable us do the right things at the right time?
The answer to the above question lies in the anchor passage. The Israelite men of the tribe of Issachar were reputed to have understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do. They didn’t come by this understanding because they were better or more special than their compatriots, but because God had gifted them with the supernatural ability to see what others could not see as well as wisdom to make judicious use of whatever information they unearth to move Israel forward in God’s plan for her. So if you desire to acquire this supernatural ability to discern the times that will enable you to know what ought to be done at a particular time in order to further the ideals of God’s kingdom in your generation as well as find fulfilment in life, you need to ask God who liberally gives perfect gifts. He will reveal to you what you need to know in order to move to the next level in your walk with Him. He will tell you what seed you need to sow today and in which soil in order to guarantee future great harvest.
So, if your life is not making the kind of progress you had envisaged, it could be that you are in the season of preparation to enable God to release you into the success that He has planned for you. This is the time to learn what you need to know in order to be the good success that God wants you to be. If you feel as if you have been on the shelve for far too long or that God has seemingly forgotten about you, understand that God is taking you through these necessary, but difficult experiences in order make you the best that you can be. Since promotion comes neither from the east nor west, but only from God, you can be sure that He will promote you at the appointed time. Everyone has the same twenty four hours in a day. Nevertheless, what we invest our time in today determines the kind of fruits we reap tomorrow. Ask God to reveal to you what you need to be doing now in order to ensure a greater future since proper preparation always prevents poor performance. Let God give you His vision for your life and then spend the balance of your life working out and living that dream. This is your route to fulfilment and eternal significance.
Prayer:
Helen Keller once said that the only thing worse than being blind is having eyes, but no vision. Father, give me eyes to see what you want for me so that I can pursue your will with understanding and with my whole heart. Give me the ability to understand the times and to know what I ought to do as situation develops in Jesus name. Amen.