UNDERSTANDING TIMES AND SEASONS OF LIFE(2)

Christian Treasure Devotion

Topic: Understanding Times and Seasons of Life (2)

Scriptural Reference: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NASB)** – “There is an appointed time for everything, and there is a time for every matter under heaven.”

Today is a good day! We are continuing our reading on "Times and Seasons" from our last devotion. Be blessed as you read, in Jesus' name. Amen.

LEARN FROM THE BIRDS

Every year, most bird species migrate to more favorable habitats to feed and raise their young. They typically move during the winter months, and as autumn approaches, they start their migration to other locations. This behavior ensures they take advantage of the seasonal availability of insects and berries that they rely on for nourishment. According to science, this is also the breeding season for many birds. The key takeaway is that birds instinctively know their times and seasons for fulfilling important aspects of their lives, such as feeding and raising their young.

Let me ask you: Do you know your own times and seasons for getting things done? Let’s explore this further.

THE CHRONOS AND KAIROS

The Greek words for the "times and seasons" of life are *Chronos* and *Kairos*. While *Chronos* appears 54 times in the New Testament, *Kairos* appears 86 times. It is essential to read carefully to grasp the significance of these concepts.

In life, we experience moments of opportunity—times when events align in our favor without any clear reason. It's as if the entire universe is conspiring to help you. For instance, if you applied for a job and don’t quite meet the qualifications, rather than receiving a rejection email, you might get a call offering you another even better position, perhaps with training opportunities. This moment represents a *Kairos* time or moment.

THE FARMERS

*Kairos* is a season set by God. For example, farmers don’t just plant seeds anytime; they do so when the rain is about to start. They prepare the ground and wait for the right conditions (Isaiah 28:23-26). *Chronos* refers to hours, minutes, and seconds—time as it passes. You can detect your *Chronos* during extraordinary events or opportunities in your life. The main difference between the two is that *Kairos* is your defining moment, a time of opportunities, while *Chronos* is a passage of time that encompasses these opportunities in hours, days, years, or seasons.

HOW DO I KNOW MY CHRONOS AND KAIROS?

The only way to discern your times and seasons is through *discernment*. This means paying attention to the Spirit of God within you. During these seasons, you will find that unusual favors surround you. At this time, you may also experience peculiar grace and favor. I have given you examples of the birds and the farmers in Isaiah 28:23-26. Jesus understood his times and seasons; at the wedding in Cana, when the wine ran out, his mother urged him to act. He responded, "My time has not yet come," indicating that his time for public announcement had not arrived (John 2:1-5). The story of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate also illustrates "divine timing" (Acts 3:1-10).

A SENSE OF URGENCY

When you can identify your season by recognizing unusual positive happenings in your life, it is essential to act with urgency.

JESUS' EXAMPLE

In John 9:4 (KJV), Jesus states, “I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day; the night cometh when no man can work.” Jesus understood that he had to prepare for his purpose, recognizing that time is critical in life. Everyone has access to the same 24 hours. Regardless of your time zone, you will experience the same hours as everyone else. Jesus was aware that time was ticking away for him every day. He had to fulfill his purpose within the time allotted to him, knowing that redemption was at risk if he did not accomplish it within that timeframe. Thus, when questioned about his urgency, he provided the above answer.

When you read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, you will notice the repetition of the word "times": a time to be born, a time to die, a time to plant, and a time to reap. This emphasizes how significant time is in the grand scheme of life.

HOW TO RECOVER LOST TIMES AND SEASONS*

Consider the story of the man beside the pool (John 5:6-7). This narrative highlights the times and seasons of life. It describes a pool in which the Angel of God would stir the waters once a year; the first person to enter would be healed. This man had been present for thirty-eight years yet failed to make it into the water in time. When Jesus approached and asked him why he had been there so long, the man explained his predicament. Jesus had compassion on him.

CONCLUSION: Let no one deceive you some opportunities may never be recovered, but the Almighty God sure knows how to turn things around. For instance, if someone were to start a professional football career before age twenty, due to a missed period of opportunity, he started making preparations around age forty. It would be difficult for him. Still, God knows what to do. Because Ecclesiastes 9:4 says” a living dog is better than a dead Lion.” Paraphrase

Assignment: Cry like a Blind Bartimaeus today for mercy. Are there things you are supposed to have done or heights you were supposed to have attained? Despite your skills and qualifications? Ask God to restore wasted years. May the Lord have mercy in Jesus' name amen.

May this devotion inspire you to recognize your times and seasons and to act on the opportunities presented to you in Jesus' name amen.