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Divine Timing
A part of the “Classics by the Archbishop” Series
©2012 Nicholas Duncan-Williams
Smashwords Edition
ISBN: 978-1-4661-0227-9
Published by Digital InQ (+233 243 652 700)
All rights reserved. All Material is the property of Global Prayer Summit. You may not reproduce or plagiarize this material any form, written or otherwise.
All scriptural quotations are from King James Version of the Bible unless stated otherwise
Classics by same Author
1. Destined to Make An Impact
2. Praying Through the Promises of God
3. The Incredible Power of a Praying Woman
4. The Supernatural Power of a Praying Man
5. When Mother Pray
6. The Price of Greatness
7. Binding the Strong Man
8. Enforcing Prophetic Decrees
Dedication
I dedicate this book to Bishop T.D. Jakes; a man who is moving nations and impacting millions of lives around theworld because of his ability to discern divine timing.
Introduction
As a servant of God with over two decades of experience in Christian ministry, I have seen the Lord do awesome things in countless lives and in many nations. I’ve seen Him raise men and women like myself, who were nothing, and make giants and world shakers out of them. I am a living testimony and I confidently believe that, indeed, “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the dunghill. He seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.” (I Sam.2:8) In the same way, I see God raising people from all walks of life to fulfill His end-time commission with an anointing and power the earth has never before witnessed nor experienced.
However, I also see an enemy who throughout the ages has used whatever means possible to defer, undermine and stop the purposes of God. We should not be ignorant of his devices lest he takes advantage of us and attacks us with one of his most subtle and underestimated weapons: lack of understanding of divine timing. The devil has successfully used this weapon against the people God for thousand of years and is still using it today.
We live in a computer age where most things can be obtained in an instant. Although this age has it advantages, this ‘quick-fix’, ‘drive-through’, ‘got-to-have-it-now’, ‘instant-this’, ‘instant-that’ attitude has undermined the process of adequate preparation, resulting in premature exposures. Many have fallen on this treacherous sword.
The breakdown of families and soaring divorce rates can also be attributed to the fact that many people enter into marriage without knowing each other well enough and are unwilling to wait for the process of time to truly reveal the character traits of their spouses-to-be. Others force their children and fiancés into marriages before they have taken the time to prepare adequately, with the result that the marriages end in divorce. This is true, for example, when mothers place undue pressure on their daughters to produce grandchildren for them before they die, and when younger women trap men into marriage through pregnancy.
Many people bequeath their wealth to children who are unable to properly manage their inheritances because they haven’t been adequately taught how to handle that responsibility. This wealth is intended to make the children victors but instead makes them victims by luring them into unhealthy lifestyles that eventually destroy them.
Lack of understanding of divine timing has also had led to terrible consequences for entire nations, especially in the Third World and, worst of all, in Africa. Leaders who came to power through the barrel of a gun have been unable to handle that power, with the result that millions have died, countries have been destroyed and posterity has been left with no secure future.
The Lord Jesus Christ left a priceless and powerful legacy for the Church. In addition, from generation to generation the apostles and men like Smith Wigglesworth, Lester Sumrall, Archbishop Benson Idahosa and many others have also contributed to and left a rich legacy for the church. It will take people who have insight into divine timing and who are willing to move in step with the Holy Spirit to carry on from where others have left off. And should Jesus tarry, such believers will leave a more powerful legacy behind when it’s time for them to also leave the scene.
The grave consequences of premature exposure cannot be overemphasized. Many have been caught in its unyielding grip in their quest to “make it” overnight. Many more are skating on thin ice and drawing closer and closer to destruction at break-neck speed, ignoring all cautions of inadequate preparation and timing..
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me to blow the trumpet in Zion and sound an alarm on His holy hill pertaining to premature exposure. He has directed me to deliver people from the mistakes of their past, to secure their ‘now’, and to anchor their future and that of generations yet unborn. As you read this book, I pray you will find truths that will help to discern one’s location on God’s calendar and offer intelligent solutions based on God’s Word.
Chapter One
THE ORIGIN OF TIME
Knowing the origin of something gives one a better understanding of it. On the other hand, ignorance of the purpose of anything will result in its inevitable abuse. Time is no exception. To fully understand time and its origins, we must go to the book of beginnings – where it all began. Time came out of eternity and will eventually give way to eternity. God is a Spirit and dwells in eternity. Before time, God was, and after time, He still will be. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
The Scriptures make it apparent that time came into being by divine mandate when God decided to create man in His image. Time came into being to fulfill a purpose. This was manifested when God came on the scene amidst the cosmic chaos and said, “Let there be light and there was light…and God divided the light from the darkness and God called the light Day and the darkness He called Night and evening and morning was the first day.” (Gen.1: 3-5)
All things were created by Him, and without Him was nothing made that was made (John 1:2). Therefore, in obedience to His commands, eternity gave birth to time by the undertaking of God’s Spirit and His spoken Word.
Everything on planet Earth is here for a purpose (Eccl. 3:1). If a part of creation did not have a purpose, it would not have become manifested in time. It’s for this same reason that I submit to you that you are not simply a living entity, but are alive for a clearcut and unique purpose. That is why you have become manifested in time. Time was created for us and we were created to worship and have fellowship with God.
God, in His infinite wisdom has set seasons, which come with their unique natures, outlooks, demands and special levels of grace. This setting of seasons makes it easier to undertake the activities that help creation fulfill its purpose. Misunderstanding of times and seasons will result in their abuse. The abuse of time impairs the manifestation of purpose and for this reason the importance of understanding God’s timing cannot be overstressed.
The importance of time
Dr. Morris Cerullo, one of today’s leading Christian ministers maintains, “The key to spiritual breakthrough is time.” One has to be in tune with the Holy Spirit, in order to secure major breakthroughs in life. Premature exposure, which is moving ahead of God’s perfect timing, is the focus of this book.
Appreciating the importance of time and time management is one of the major indicators that distinguish successful people. Nature operates with a remarkable sense of timing, which reveals the mystery of God’s word and power. The sun knows when to rise and set, ants know when to gather and birds know when to migrate without any human interference or organization (Jer. 8:7).
Life has natural seasons: summer, autumn, winter and spring, or, as in the tropics, dry (hot) and rainy (cold) seasons. Understanding these seasons enables us to prepare under different conditions and to accomplish our goals. Understanding this also helps because the demands of one season differ from those of another. A perfect illustration of this is clothing. You certainly would not wear boots and a wool coat in tropical weather. Knowing the rainy and dry seasons helps farmers know when to clear the land, sow and harvest. Jesus said, “I must work…whilst it is day, the night cometh when no man can work.” (John 9:4)
Understanding the importance of time is the springboard for true and lasting success. If there is true success then there can also be false success, the kind that lasts for a season. Everyone was created for a purpose and was given an exact time to fulfill that purpose (Ps. 40:7). When this time is not used for its intended purpose, it is wasted and lost forever. What makes this issue critical is that at the end of the age all of humanity will stand before God to give an account of what they did with their time on earth (Rom. 14:12).
Think about that for a moment, and ask yourself what you have done with you time so far. The importance of time, understood and used for the right purpose, determines the final destiny of souls.
Everyone is a steward of time, and time does not belong to anyone. For with man, time begins when he is born and ends when he dies. Having an understanding of time gives one fulfillment as well as success. Using time unproductively is almost suicidal. I challenge you to burn time productively and give light to your world!
Everyone on earth has 24 hours in a day and seven days in a week. What distinguishes one from another is the premium that one places on time.
You are where you are because of what you did yesterday with your time, and where you will be tomorrow is determined by what you are doing with you time today.
According to Dr. Mike Murdock, one of the leading motivational preachers today, “insight about your future is hidden in your daily routine.” Look at your daily routine critically and you will gain some understanding about your future. Knowledge of divine timing will make you outstanding, and will usher you into leadership and equip you with wisdom. “They that have understanding shall lead many.”
Chapter Two
KNOWING DIVINE TIMING
As a preacher, a question that I am often asked is, how does one understand divine timing or know God’s timing? Before we look at how one can perceive divine timing, let’s establish a basis, which will enhance our understanding.
God’s understanding of time is different from ours. “For a day to the Lord is like a thousand years and a thousand years is as one day unto the Lord.” (2 Pet 3:8) Also, the Scriptures say, “For a thousand years in thy sight are but yesterday when it is past and a watch in the night.” (Psalm 90) In God’s sight, beauty is equal to maturation and perfection, “…for He makes all things beautiful in His time.” (Eccl. 3:11) Not our time, but His time. This is where many people miss God. We have personal conceptions and perceptions of time, which differ from God’s. We must have the mind of Christ in order to understand His divine timing.
Discovery of Purpose
There are several ways of understanding divine timing. The discovery of one’s reason for existence helps in this regard. The reason why many people commit suicide is that they don’t see a reason to live; they don’t have the perception of God nor His purpose for their lives. As a result of this ignorance, they subscribe to the devil’s suggestion to end it all. When you understand your purpose, you can stand up and boldly declare in the face of any situation or circumstance that, “I shall not die, but live to declare the works of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Ps 118:17)
When one discovers purpose, one will begin to understand time. People who know their purpose have insight about what should be done and usually work to fulfill it. They do not concern themselves with many things; instead, they focus, plan and make the best use of time. I encourage you to discover your reason for being.
As a young boy, I attempted many crazy things in a bid to “make it” and to be fulfilled in life. I almost died, and, in the process, I lost three fingers on my right hand, an experience which brought me into contact with a nurse who led me to the Lord. From the moment I received Christ and got hold of the purpose for my being, time became meaningful to me.
When you apprehend your purpose, you can’t quit or complain about being tired, but must keep pressing on and ignore all opposition until you have completed your assignment.
Observation
Understanding divine timing also comes through careful observation. One’s ability to observe indicators and interpret time, or events that carry a message, can help in understanding divine timing. When one observes the sunrise or sunset, one can understand what time it is and take the necessary steps to do what is required for that time.
And he said also to the people, “When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower and so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it that ye do not discern this time?” (Luke 12:54-45)
Divine Encounter
A divine encounter as experienced in dreams, visions, trances, angelic visitations or the manifestation of the personality of Jesus helps one to understand divine timing. Many Bible characters had such experiences, and many believers still do today. Men like Jacob, who was later called Israel, understood when the time was right to leave Laban’s house through a divine encounter. (Gen.31: 11-13)
Jesus, in the Jordan after His baptism, had an encounter with the Holy Spirit and knew it was time to wait on the Father in the wilderness before launching out into His ministry. Through a divine encounter at Mount Horeb, Moses, after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, came to understand God’s divine timing for the deliverance of the people of Israel. He grasped the purpose of his being and became a deliverer.
The angel of the Lord also helped Joseph, the husband of Mary, know when and what steps to take to save the life of Jesus when he was an infant. These visitations of divine encounters gave the people knowledge and understanding of God’s timing for their lives, families and assignments on earth.
My prayer is that through the pages of this book you will have revelation that will prepare you for a divine encounter for your own life and all that concerns you.
The Word of God
The Word of God or Scriptures can make one discern God’s timing. Scripture reveals, “I Daniel understand by the books,” through the prophecies of Jeremiah, the time for the turning of the captivity of God’s people in Babylon (Dan.9: 2).
Through God’s Word one can gain understanding into God’s timing for one’s life, family and nation. David said, “Through thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.” (Psalms 119:104) The Word of God is the manual for living, and it has exact and very accurate information on the times in which we live and on the future. The Scriptures point out significant events in the history of mankind. An example is the coming together of the European Union, which will set the stage to bring the One World Government in the future as predicted by Daniel (Dan 8:9-14).
The spiritual time for the church today is also clearly painted by the Scriptures:
‘In the last days perilous times shall come, for men shall be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal, despisers of good things, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof’. (2 Tim 3:1-5)
Thank God that the Scriptures declare that Jesus is coming back for a glorious church and that the church shall be “raptured” in power and not in weakness and defeat (Eph. 5:2-7). The reason the devil wants to keep you from the Word of God is that it contains information it contains that can equip you with insight regarding God’s timing for your life and all He has made available for you to enjoy.
Bible Prophecy
If you want to know about future events and know when they will occur, you must turn to the thousands of prophecies in the Bible. History has proven the extraordinary and unerring accuracy of Biblical prophecy. In the book of Daniel, chapter 12, the Bible speaks of the Great Tribulation in verse 1, the Resurrection in verse 2, and the rewards of the righteous in verse 3.
Then, in verse 4, the Bible reads, “But thou O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book even to the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” The subject of the Great Tribulation, the Resurrection, and the rewards of the righteous are all events that will surely take place in the end-time. Also in verse 13, the Bible reads, “But go thou way till the end be, for thou shall rest and stand in thy lot at the end of the day.” This was to tell Daniel that the prophecy was not for his time, and that he would pass away before its fulfillment.
Looking at the prophecy, “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased…,” we can see the clear fulfillment of these events in our days. The rate at which many people are running to and fro, by traveling from place to place for trade and for tourism is unprecedented. This is because of the awesome advances in our modes of transportation. We’ve gone from camels to locomotive trains and from wagons to planes. Now we have more modernized trains, cars and airplanes that travel at amazing speeds - some even faster than the speed of sound. This has made traveling easier, faster and more convenient. We even have the technology to take man to the moon in a matter of days.
The second part of the prophecy, which talks about knowledge being increased by an amazing extent as it has in our age. Statistics show that almost five million books are published every year and that the total store of human knowledge doubles every eight years. This amazing increase in knowledge can be attributed to the sophisticated and high-powered computers, complex instruments and equipment that have been invented for conducting research and accessing and disseminating information.. Whatever the means of increased knowledge, it was predicted about 534 BC by the prophet Daniel in the Bible.
As He sat on the Mount of Olives in Matthew 24:3, Jesus made certain predictions when he was asked by His disciples when the temple would be destroyed, and what the signs would be for His coming.. In verse 6 of Matthew 24, Jesus said, “And when ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars see that ye be not troubled for all these must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”
History reveals that there have been many wars over the centuries, but the greatest escalation took place in the 20th century. Until 1914, war had never become generalized. After World War I and World War II, we saw this prophecy fulfilled, and everyone thought it was over.
On the contrary, since then, there have been major wars that have claimed over 23 million lives. In 1993 alone, 29 major wars were fought. “Nations rising against nation” could be interpreted as ethnic group against ethnic group. This is evident in the wars between ethnic groups all over Africa, Yugoslavia and the Gulf region to name a few. Jesus predicted these in verse 7: “For nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there shall be famine, pestilence, and earthquakes in diverse places.” Throughout the 1990s, 100 million people died through starvation. The World Health Organization statistics indicate that one third of the world is well fed, one third is underfed, and one third is starving. At present, over four million die starve to death each year. This is a clear indication of the famine Jesus talked about centuries ago. Pestilence in the form of AIDS that has plagued over 40 million people, along with other deadly diseases, has emerged in our day.
Biblical prophecy can give one an excellent picture of God’s timing for the future.
Personal Prophecy
A prophecy, or a prophetic word from a servant of God, makes one understand divine timing. Through the prophet Isaiah, King Hezekiah was told to put his house in order because he was going to die and, through the same prophet, he was told that his life had been extended for 15 more years (2 Kings 20:1). If Hezekiah knew his time through a prophesy, so can you.
Nathan, the prophet of God, encouraged King David to build a temple for God when David asked him for counsel. This was a good and godly idea and many of us today would have encouraged such a venture. But on God’s calendar, the timing was premature. King David’s assignment, in line with God’s will, did not include building God’s temple, although he would have loved to do so. God, later, intervened and told Nathan, the prophet, that He had not ordained David to build the temple, but rather Solomon, his son.