Perfect Timing

 

(Photo: IndyStar.com)

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven…”—Ecclesiastes 3:1

Ever since high school, I have been fascinated by watching drum corps in action — either on black and white PBS shows or more recently, the movie Drum Line and video clips of 21st century drummers going through their paces. For someone who has a difficult time remembering his own cell phone number, I think one attraction has simply been “how do they memorize all that?!” But there is something more: a fascination in the precision, the perfect timing. And perhaps for good reason. Because if you choose to believe it, just about everything in life is a type and shadow of some aspect of the Creator of the universe and the Savior of the world, and something He is trying to show us about Himself and our lives...

We are each created in His image, and so whether it is a drum line of dozens, or a ballet troupe, or an automobile assembly line, it’s no wonder many of us are drawn like a magnet to things of wonder that are done with precision and perfect timing.

...Because it’s who God is and what He’s always been about…

• “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”—Romans 5:6
• “At the acceptable time I listened to you, And on the day of salvation I helped you.”—2 Corinthians 6:2
• “But when the right—appropriate or appointed fullness of—time came, God sent his Son...”—Galatians 4:4

What is amazing is that God works with this perfect precision timing outside the realm of our concept of time. He is not confined to our watches or calendars because “To the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day “ (2 Peter 3:8) and “To You, In Your eyes, a thousand years is like the passing of a day.” (Psalm 90:4). And sometimes, that all comes to life...

…Earlier this week, I was en route to a getaway for a couple of days. I had the day all mapped out and when I would arrive and what needed to be done when I got there. On the way out of town, everything changed. I noticed a car off the side of the road with its hood up and a young man frantically trying to wave down passing motorists. I know little about the mechanics of a car but for some reason, I pulled over anyway. It turns out the young man was a Christian, albeit a bit rough around the edges because of the stress of the moment. So even though total strangers, we had a common Language right off the bat. His wife and two dogs were still in the vehicle, which was packed to the roof with items. The young man thought his battery was dead and asked for a jump start, and when it wouldn’t turn over, even though I know little about cars, I told him I didn't think it was a good idea to keep trying. I don’t know why I said that, but the (His) timing was perfect. Moments later, smoke started rising up out of the engine, and fortunately whatever it was quickly extinguished—but it made me wonder afterward what might have happened from a spark from the jumper cables. 

The couple was from out of town and knew no one here. I offered them a ride to a nearby Dunkin’s so they would be safe and could make a phone call, but soon, they were able to locate a relative who had AAA and help would be on the way...“You were the only one who stopped, thank you for your help, now please keep going and enjoy your day,” the young man said.

I was delayed almost 45 minutes (!) from my day that was all mapped out. I should have felt irritated, but I couldn’t help thinking of that couple and their welfare as I drove the next two hours. I was glad that I stopped and wondered if it might have been a Divine appointment. Timing. As it turned out, none of those plans for my day had to be shelved when I got to my destination. God’s timing, in a small, everyday life sort of way, was again perfect—far better than those drum lines.

But it was also a humbling reminder of a more important thing — to stop thinking of adding “if it’s convenient” after telling the Lord each day, “Show me how I can serve You today.” Because as the Psalmist says, “My times are in Your hands.” (Psalm 31:15) ...And that’s a very good thing.

“God, interrupt whatever we are doing so that we can join You in what You're doing.”—Francis Chan