The Bible is clear that the Lord created every one of us with a purpose. Adam and Eve were created in the image and likeness of God with a purpose (Gen 1:26-27). The Bible states that God has, “… saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace which was given in us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” (II Tim 1:9). But just as God has a purpose for our lives he also has appointed times in our lives for certain events and fulfilling of purpose.
We find an illustration of purpose with appointed time in Galatians 4:1-2. Even though the child is heir, he is under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father. The child’s purpose is to become the heir but there is an appointed time for the child to actually become the heir. There are many other examples in the Bible such as John the Baptist who is in the wilderness until the day of his showing (Luke 1:80, 3:1-2). John’s purpose was announced to his father and mother before he ever started to fulfill the purpose but at the appointed time the Word of God came to John letting him know when to start.
We find that God visited Sarah to cause her to conceive Isaac at the appointed time (Gen 18:14), Jesus was born in the fullness of time or at the appointed time (Gal 4:4). The feast of Passover was to be celebrated at the appointed time (Ex 23:15, Num 9:2). Daniel the prophet was given visions of events which were to occur or be revealed in their appointed times (Dan 8:19, 10:1, 11:27-35). The prophet Habakkuk was told to write the vision down because it was for an appointed time (Hab 2:3). Jesus also told the disciples that the restoration of Israel was for times and seasons which are in the Father’s hands or, in other words, an appointed time.
What does all this mean to us? There are two points we should draw from these scriptures. First, God is in control and will bring things to pass at the proper season. Second, just because nothing seems to be happening in our walk with the Lord does not mean we should get discouraged. Keep on living for the Lord for He will bring our purpose into action at the appointed time.
