Time

Some days, I need a DO-OVER DAY. I need a second chance to get it right with God. I often get to the end of my day only to find myself asking, “Where did the time go?” While well-intentioned, I’ve somehow missed out on time spent with God. I let my schedule rule and reign instead of surrendering my calendar to Jesus.

When I’ve gotten off track or run out of time, He always offers me a second chance. Thankfully, God’s the Redeemer of all things which enables me to make up for my meandering and lost time. In the busyness of this chaotic life, I think we all need a do-over day…or week…or month even. When I realize it’s happened yet again, if I’ll ask Him to, He lovingly redeems my day. King Solomon even said this about time:

It’s God’s gift.

I’ve also concluded that whatever God does, that’s the way it’s going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God’s done it and that’s it. That’s so we’ll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear.
Whatever was, is.

Whatever will be, is.

That’s how it always is with God.
Ecclesiastes 3:13-15 (MSG)

Fortunately, God stands outside of time. He gets to since He created it. He controls time and while I don’t always like it, it’s the truth. I’m reminded of a story Lisa Harper shared once of a wonderful parenting technique. It works for us as God’s kids too.

Once, there was a mischievous little boy. Every time he disobeyed, his parents let him sit in front of the mirror for a time-out of sorts. Just four words, when repeated over and over again, reminded him of his position. There are many times I need to repeat these four little words as well. “I’m NOT in charge.” Say that in the cutest, pouty, little boy voice you’ve ever heard and you’ll get the picture.

As an adult, I have to add a couple more words to get the desired results from this technique. Looking in the mirror, I begin repeating, “I’m NOT in charge; God is.” Getting this through my very stubborn mind requires a mantra more often than not. Yet, no matter how many times I get to repeat this phrase, this gentle reminder puts me in my place, and brings a much-needed calm to my days.

God is the God of second chances. We find Him offering grace and mercy at every turn in the Bible. In fact, He’s the God of many chances and I’m so glad He is. When we need a do-over day, He gently reminds us that if we’ll let the Holy Spirit plan our days, things just go better. It’s really that simple.

Instead of missing out on the divine appointments He has planned for us, we’ll notice the person in need or take the initiative rather than waiting to be asked. We will get to be the hands and feet of Jesus. And, for a moment, we’ll get to stand outside of time with Him. Knowing Who’s really in charge, we’ll get to watch things from His perspective, being Kingdom-minded instead of worldly-blinded.

If you’re in need of a do-over day, Matthew 11:28-30 provides the perfect solution. The best way to start our days is to allow the Holy Spirit the freedom to change our plans. Letting Him be in charge gives us the day we truly desire. When we surrender our ways, and days, something incredible happens. Our days become an offering and we begin to live beyond the bondage of time as we know it. As we give God our time, we are given more of it; our time actually multiplies. We’re not spinning our wheels or racing against the clock. We glean a new kind of rest. It’s a mere glimpse of the Sabbath we’ll experience in Heaven.

God-time is never hurried, frantic, or meaningless. We find our purpose and peace when we’re in step with Kingdom time. When we let Him have His rightful place, we’ll find ourselves in sync with God where we can recover wasted time and learn the ‘unforced rhythms of grace.’

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11: 28-30 (MSG)