Don’t rush, embrace the appointed time

Pauline Matanda

“AGAIN and again they struck Him on the head with a staff and spit on Him . . .” — Mark 15:19

Today, I want to share with you the comforting truth that there is an appointed time for everything.

In the grand tapestry of life, every season, every trial and every triumph has its designated moment. It is a reminder that nothing happens by chance and even in the midst of pain, we can find hope in knowing that it will not last forever.

Even on the journey to the cross, “Again and again they struck Him (Jesus) and spit on Him”.

The pain during that time was unbearable but it was for a limited period.

On the third day, He rose from the dead.

During that period, it appeared the pain was permanent, but today, we celebrate the resurrected Christ.

He is alive today and seated on the throne of grace, being worshipped.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 beautifully articulates this truth.

It tells us that there is a time for everything: a time to be born and a time to die; a time to weep and a time to laugh; and a time to mourn and a time to dance. These words convey the profound wisdom that life is a series of seasons, each with its own appointed time.

As we journey through the peaks and valleys of life, we often find ourselves grappling with pain.

It may come in the form of loss, illness, heartache or disappointment.

In those moments, it can be difficult to see beyond the anguish and despair.

However, we are reminded that pain, no matter how relentless it may seem, is not eternal.

There is an appointed time for it and just as surely as the sun rises each morning, it will set.

We find solace in Psalm 30:5, which reads: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

This verse summarises the essence of hope in the face of pain.

It reassures us that the darkness of suffering is temporary and that joy, healing and restoration await us on the other side.

Our faith teaches us that even in the depths of our anguish, we are not alone. God walks with us through every trial and His love sustains us in our darkest hours.

It is during these moments of pain that our faith is tested and our spirits are refined.

Just as gold is purified in fire, so too are we strengthened through the trials we endure.

Let us take heart in the knowledge that pain, no matter how long it takes, will come to an end.

It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

It is also a testament to the unwavering faithfulness of our God.

As we navigate the ebb and flow of life, let us hold fast to the truth that our appointed periods of suffering are but a prelude to the appointed times of joy that await us.

May we find comfort in the promise that our pain is not in vain and that it will yield to a season of restoration and rejoicing.

Let us trust in the wisdom of the appointed times, and embrace each moment with hope and unwavering faith.