The Right Moment

“Seize the moment” is a principle encouraged by many in everything from warfare to sports. The idea is that it can be easy just to observe and hesitate, to be excessively cautious. By encouraging people to “seize the moment,” they are urged to act immediately, aware that cautious observers miss many opportunities.

This principle is true at times. But Jesus demonstrated that it is more important to be sensitive to God’s leading, to wait for His time, and to realize that rushing and trying to force matters can be a mistake.

A good example of this was at His baptism. It could have seemed like the perfect time to “seize the moment” to launch His ministry. Instead, Jesus did the opposite, following the leading of the Spirit and going by Himself into the wilderness for forty days to spend time facing temptation and preparing.

As He demonstrated throughout His ministry, Jesus knew the importance of being sensitive to the Father’s timing. He was putting into practice the principles David shared: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14).

Jesus was sensitive to act at just the right time – ready to obey the Father, even if that meant waiting but ready to act when He directed.

Seek to follow His example. Seek to be sensitive to God’s timing. Wait when He tells you to wait, but always be ready to act.