RPM, Volume 11, Number 26, June 28 to July 4 2009

Just when you need it most!




By Jim Williams



Editor's Note: We all have thoughts — some good - some bad, but nonetheless they are thoughts. Our thoughts should be reflected upon and dealt with biblically (Rom. 12:1-3; Gal. 6:3; Phil. 3:12-17; Phil. 4:8-9; 2 Pet. 3:1, etc.). ‘Just Thinkin Out Loud' (spelling of ‘thinkin'' is purposeful) is a series of thoughts that are being made public. You may or may not agree with all of the thoughts you read in this series, but it will help all of us to discuss them — out loud. The hope of the author and editors at IIIM is that this will assist all of us to begin personal reflection upon our own thoughts and compare them with God's perspective in Holy Scripture. Readers are encouraged to use small discussion groups and/or our RPM forum for any irenic discussion(s) of these specific thoughts and others they may bring about.
One of the most fascinating jobs I have had was driving a forklift for a stage construction crew. This past May, I was involved in putting up the stages for Memphis In May, the biggest city festival in the country. My company had been hired to construct the stages for a weekend event called Music fest, and there were three main stages. Each stage had stages of construction that called for different parts. Each started off with square, flat wooden blocks, which the feet stood on. On top of the feet were uprights of varying lengths. The guys on the forklifts were told what to bring and when to bring it, in order to meet the need at that point in the construction.

It took a few days to go from blocks to uprights to a stage, then put up the towers, run cable and hang the roof. But it meant that certain parts came out of a trailer at a certain time and not until then. We did not unload the roof first thing.

That particular order of materials drew an immediate parallel to Phil. 4:19, and our perception of need. God brings into our lives the materials, experiences, people, and stages we need when we need them. He does not bring in something until it is necessary for us at that moment, and that does not necessarily always jive with our timetable. More than once have I heard of the key people headed out to cancel or shut down a ministry only to be met at the door with the money needed to make it happen.

Just like the speakers for the house sound on the stage were not delivered early on the site, the plan for our provision is not always what we think it will be or should be. Waiting on God's timing is not an easy thing. But just like the equipment that arrives when it is needed, the needs we have are met just when God says we need them. He is always faithful to His Word, THAT we can count on!

Tell me what you think, I'm just thinkin out loud!



This article is provided as a ministry of Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill). If you have a question about this article, please email our Theological Editor.

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