Sensitive to Time and Place

Jesus understood the importance of following the Father. He declared that He only did “what He sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does” (John 5:19 NLT). This gave Him great sensitivity to time and place.

Others, without this perspective, urged Him to change course or do things that made sense to them. But Jesus had the patience to wait, trusting the Father and focusing on the immediate moment. Knowing that everything in His life had a purpose, He could live with great confidence and peace. He never panicked or succumbed to people’s pressure.

We see this when He was speaking in the temple. He spoke about being “the Light of the world.” Pharisees challenged Him, claiming that His “testimony is not true.” As He responded, Jesus questioned their understanding and interpretation of the Law. They were incensed by His statements. But even though Jesus spoke these words “in the treasury,” He was not arrested. Why? Because “His hour had not yet come.” The time would come, but this was not it.

These principles are important in our lives as well. Each of us has a purpose and a unique calling. God seeks to prepare us to accomplish His purposes, urging us to remember that “there is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

In your life, remember that God has a specific plan just for you! Seek to be sensitive to the leading of His Spirit, moment by moment. Don’t allow your life to be ruled by anxiety or worry. And don’t be governed by the pressures of the world. Trust Him. Seek to be sensitive to His Spirit, always ready to obey and follow His leading.