John 7:1-14

Be Still: Lord, I thank you for this moment in your presence. Would you open my eyes to more of who you are, my ears to hear all that you want to say and my heart to the truths you want to reveal. Amen

Read: John 7:1-14

Jesus told them 'My time is not yet here.' (v 6)  

Encounter: Do you ever feel pressure from voices around you?

In this story we see Jesus not going to a festival everyone was telling him he should be at. Jesus knew it wasn’t his time to be there. He knew exactly where he needed to be, despite what everyone around him was doing. Jesus knew that specific moments in his life were divinely appointed and guided by God’s timing, not human expectations or pressures. In this story what sticks out to me is his commitment to being aligned with God’s will. Following in his example, we should try to do the same. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, 'There is a time for everything under the sun, and a season for every activity under the heavens.' 

I don’t know if you’re in a season where outside voices seem to be creating an environment of pressure. Maybe you’re carrying dreams in your heart that have not yet been fulfilled and the voices of culture, society, friends or family are adding an extra strain. The reminder today is that God's timing is always right, and you can trust in his plan for your life. 

It's hard to wait well but staying faithful in prayer, seeking the Lord and not just outcomes, fosters an intimacy and trust that builds confidence no matter the outside pressures we face. 

Apply: Have you spoken to the Lord about the plans you have made for the week, months, or years ahead?  Set aside time to align yourself with his will for your life. 

Devote: Lord I surrender and submit my timings and timelines to you. Would you help me be content with going at your pace and direction.