
Sermon: In God’s Time: The Assurance of Divine Timing
Scripture: Isaiah 60:22 – “The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will do this swiftly.”
Life often feels like a series of waiting rooms. We wait for change, for answers to prayers, for promises to be fulfilled. In these periods of waiting, it’s easy to become discouraged or to feel like God has forgotten us. However, the Bible offers us a profound assurance of God’s perfect timing. One such promise is found in Isaiah 60:22, where God declares that He will bring about His will in its time and that when the time comes, He will do it swiftly.
This verse is a powerful reminder of the sovereignty of God over time and events. It invites us to trust in His timing, no matter how long the wait may be. Today, we will explore the significance of this verse and relate it to other parts of the Bible that emphasize God’s control over time and the fulfillment of His promises.
1. Understanding Isaiah 60:22
Isaiah 60:22 is part of a broader prophecy where Isaiah speaks of the future glory of Zion. The chapter envisions a time when God will restore His people, and they will shine with His glory, drawing nations to the light of His presence. The verse encapsulates a promise of exponential growth and transformation, from insignificance to greatness, under God’s divine plan.
- “The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation”: This part of the verse speaks to the potential God sees in His people, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem. God’s ability to multiply and bless abundantly is not limited by human expectations.
- “I am the LORD; in its time I will do this swiftly”: This declaration emphasizes God’s control over timing. The phrase “in its time” reminds us that God has appointed seasons for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1). When the appointed time arrives, God acts with swiftness and decisiveness.
2. The Theme of Divine Timing in Scripture
The theme of divine timing is recurrent throughout the Bible. Many biblical characters experienced long periods of waiting before God’s promises were fulfilled, but their stories also illustrate that God’s timing is perfect.
- Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 21:1-7): Abraham and Sarah were promised a child, yet they had to wait until their old age for Isaac’s birth. God’s timing in fulfilling this promise was perfect, though it tested their faith. The delay was not denial but preparation for the fulfillment of a divine purpose.
- Joseph (Genesis 41:37-46): Joseph was given dreams of greatness in his youth, but he had to endure betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment before those dreams became a reality. However, when the time came, God elevated him swiftly to a position of power in Egypt, showing that God’s timing is always right.
- David (2 Samuel 5:1-5): Anointed as king while still a shepherd boy, David waited many years before ascending the throne. During this time, he faced numerous challenges, including fleeing from King Saul. Yet, at the appointed time, God established David as king over Israel, fulfilling His promise.
- Jesus Christ (Galatians 4:4-5): The coming of Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God’s perfect timing. Paul writes, “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law.” The arrival of the Messiah was not random but occurred at the divinely appointed moment in history.
3. Trusting in God’s Timing
One of the greatest challenges for believers is trusting in God’s timing, especially when His plans do not align with our expectations. Isaiah 60:22 invites us to relinquish our need for control and to trust that God knows what is best for us.
- Waiting on the Lord (Isaiah 40:31): “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” This verse underscores the spiritual renewal and strength that come from waiting on God’s timing.
- God’s Plans for Us (Jeremiah 29:11): “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.” Even when we do not see immediate results, God’s plans are always good, and He works everything for our ultimate benefit.
- Do Not Fret (Psalm 37:7): “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” The psalmist encourages us to be patient and not to compare our timeline with others, reminding us that God’s timing is unique for each person.
4. The Fulfillment of God’s Promises
Isaiah 60:22 also reassures us that God will fulfill His promises. The Bible is filled with examples of God’s faithfulness in keeping His word, often in unexpected and miraculous ways.
- The Exodus (Exodus 12:40-41): The Israelites waited 430 years before being delivered from Egypt. Yet, when the time came, God acted swiftly, leading them out of bondage with signs and wonders.
- The Birth of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:19-20): Hannah’s heartfelt prayers for a child were answered in God’s timing, leading to the birth of Samuel, who would become a great prophet. This story highlights how God’s timing often involves preparation for a greater purpose.
- The Resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24:1-7): The resurrection occurred on the third day, just as Jesus had foretold. This event, pivotal to the Christian faith, demonstrates that God’s timing is perfect, and His promises are sure.
5. Application: Living in Expectation of God’s Timing
Understanding and trusting in God’s timing should influence how we live our daily lives. It calls us to live in expectation and hope, knowing that God is at work even when we cannot see it.
- Cultivating Patience: Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It is developed as we learn to wait on God and trust in His timing. We must resist the urge to rush ahead of God and instead allow Him to lead us.
- Staying Faithful: While waiting, it is crucial to remain faithful in what God has called us to do. Like the servants in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), we should be diligent in using what God has given us, trusting that He will reward our faithfulness in due time.
- Keeping Hope Alive: Our hope is anchored in the character of God, who is faithful and true. Hebrews 10:23 encourages us to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” We can live with confidence that God will bring His promises to pass.
Conclusion
Isaiah 60:22 is a powerful reminder that God’s timing is perfect. He promises that the least will become a thousand and the smallest a mighty nation, and He will do this in His time and with swiftness. As we reflect on this promise, let us be encouraged by the many examples in the Bible where God’s timing was flawless, from the birth of Isaac to the resurrection of Jesus.
In our lives, may we learn to trust God’s timing, cultivate patience, stay faithful, and keep our hope alive, knowing that He who has begun a good work in us will bring it to completion at the right time (Philippians 1:6). God’s plans are always worth the wait, and in His perfect timing, He will fulfill His promises in ways that exceed our expectations.
Amen.
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