God’s Appointed Time

In his book The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell recounts how sales of a well-known shoe brand had plummeted to only about 30,000 pairs a year by 1994. The manufacturer was close to giving up and shutting down production. But then something strange happened.

Unplanned, and without any major campaign, more people began wearing these shoes. Even though they were obviously out of fashion, they were worn by upscale executives, celebrities, and style-conscious models.

Word continued to spread, and by 1995, sales had skyrocketed. Even the manufacturer was baffled by this turn of events. A brand that had been given up as dead had somehow gained unprecedented popularity.

Great turning points like this can come unexpectedly in any arena of life. The Bible reminds us that God can bring about change at any time, acting in surprising and unexpected ways. Abraham and Sarah learned this after God promised that they would have a child. This seemed impossible because Sarah was past the age of childbearing. With each day, this seemed even more unlikely. Yet God’s promise did not change, and at the appointed time, the child was born.

Today, remember that God s promises still are true for you. He has not forgotten you, and He has heard your prayers. He has an appointed time when His promises will be fulfilled. But you need to stay faithful with the resources you have been given.

Do not be discouraged or give up hope. Keep believing. And stay faithful.