While in secondary school, I was the school regulator, which allowed me to oversee academic activities and develop a sense of time consciousness and attention to detail. This experience has instilled in me a strong sense of time management, as I now tend to time my activities carefully.
The concept of timing in God's kingdom is beautifully illustrated in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which reminds us that there is a specific time for everything that God has ordained. Each season serves a purpose, and life unfolds according to divine timing—not by chance. We cannot force God's hand, as He is not absent-minded about our life's journey. Life is in stages and men are in their different seasons of growth.
The butterfly lifecycle is an education every Nigerian born in the '90s meets in school. I marvel at the concept of stages and timing. God puts so much effort into creating the egg, caterpillar, larva and eventually, the butterfly. If He takes such care in creating these creatures, how much more attention will He give to us, who are made in His own image?
Even God rested after creation, demonstrating the importance of timing.
The Butterfly Lifecycle: A Metaphor for Growth
The butterfly undergoes complete metamorphosis, which involves four stages that occur at different times:
1. Egg stage: This stage can be compared to the birth of a person, crawling, sitting, and standing. It is during this stage that we make a conscious decision to dedicate our lives to Christ, which activates us to fulfill our purpose according to God's timing. Jeremiah 1:5 ''Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you''...
2. Caterpillar stage: This stage is characterized by feeding and growth. We are nourished by God's word, and we invest in our personal development, spiritual life, and prayers. God, like a potter, works on our person, shaping us into the individuals He wants us to become. Although the caterpillar has the potential to become a butterfly, it must wait for the perfect time to transform.
If God were to let us go too soon, we might be overwhelmed by challenges. Instead, He prepares us by putting us through situations that help us discover our strengths and weaknesses. He prunes us, just as a gardener prunes a tree. The food eaten during this stage is stored and used later as an adult, reminding us that every deposit has a story and is required when we need it.
3. Pupa stage: This is the transition stage, where it may seem like nothing is happening. We may feel like God has forgotten us, and our hearts may be filled with doubts. However, God is always working, even when we cannot see it. During this stage, the butterfly's legs and wings are formed, preparing it for flight.
4. Adult stage: In this final stage, God brings everything to pass according to His timing. Waiting can be exhausting, but we can take comfort in knowing that victory is sure, and God is always with us. When the time is right, everything flows with ease, and we can soar to new heights.
From the different stages of growth of the butterfly, we can see how conscious and timely God is in bringing something beautiful out of our lives. You may not look like it or see it, but God is working even in the shadows, being intentional about our growth. In the right time, He will bring it to pass. God's time is perfect; He is never late or early. He is always on time, and His timing is essential for our growth and transformation.
Ecclesiastes 3:11(NKJV): He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
I could count a thousand things I planned on achieving at these times, but I have come to understand that there are no lost years in God.
Revive!
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