Hai, bro and sis pemuda-pemudi keren Indonesia! How's your day so far?
Pagi ini, yuk kita buka Alkitab kita di kitab Pengkhotbah 8:6. The Bible says:
"Sebab untuk segala sesuatu ada waktu dan cara, juga ada keputusan ilahi, karena nasib manusia sangat berat."
Maybe it sounds a bit heavy, right? But let's dive deeper, especially the part that says "untuk segala sesuatu ada waktu dan cara, juga ada keputusan ilahi." This is super important for us who are currently figuring things out, making decisions, and planning for the future.
Why is Timing Super Important?
As young people, we often face so many choices: which university to go to, what major to pick, where to work, which community to join, who to date, or even which ministry to be part of. Sometimes we want to rush things, just to get it over with. Or maybe we're just confused and end up procrastinating.
Ecclesiastes 8:6 reminds us that there's a time and a way for everything. It's not just about "when," but also "how" we step forward. And the coolest part, there's a "divine decision" behind it. It means, God has His own perfect timing and plan for our lives.
Let's check out some other verses:
- Proverbs 21:5 says: "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty." See? If we're too hasty or impulsive without thinking things through, we might actually end up losing. But if we diligently plan and are patient, the results will be abundant!
- Ecclesiastes 3:1 also emphasizes: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." This is a universal truth. There's a time to learn, a time to play, a time to work, a time to rest. We need to be sensitive to this timing.
Steadfast Faith While Waiting for God's Time
Now, this is where it gets tricky sometimes. We want everything instantly, but God often has a different timing than ours. This is where our steadfast faith is tested.
- Romans 8:28 reminds us: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." So, even if we feel like it's taking too long, or the path is winding, trust me, God is setting everything up for our good. The key is that we continue to love Him and are called according to His purpose.
- Hebrews 11:6 is also crucial: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." If we want our decisions to be right in God's eyes, then faith is the key. Faith that God exists, and He will surely give the best if we seek Him earnestly.
How to Be Sensitive to God's Time and Have Strong Faith?
- Prayer is Super Important! Don't just pray for instant results. Pray for wisdom, pray for guidance. James 1:5 promises: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." Just ask, guys!
- Don't Rush, Ask for Advice! Sometimes we think we can do everything on our own. But having wise friends or mentors is a blessing. Proverbs 15:22 states: "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed." Talk, share, ask for input from people who are more mature in their faith or experience.
- Learn from Experience (Don't Make the Same Mistakes)! We've all made wrong decisions, it's normal. The important thing is to make it a valuable lesson. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, but learn from them.
- Fully Trust God! This is the core of steadfast faith. Jeremiah 29:11 is God's promise to us: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." God has plans for peace, not chaos!
So, What Now?
As young Christians, we are called to be agents of change, who can make the right decisions not just because we are smart, but because we trust God's timing and have unshakeable faith. Don't just follow the crowd or have FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). Be wise young men and women, whose every step is led by God.
Let's reflect together:
- Is there an important decision you're currently facing? Have you brought it into prayer and asked for God's timing?
- How can you strengthen your faith while waiting for God's perfect timing?
Semangat, guys! God bless you!
The Right Time, The True Faith!