The fullness of time, signifies the beginning of a new era of a much-awaited thing, time or season. The fullness of time is never the end of anything, rather, it is the birth of something new and exciting. The bible reminds us that there is a time and a season for everything. Before a new thing manifests, there is always a process, and a waiting period. The fullness of time is the appointed, appropriate and best time for anything or season to be revealed. Before the fullness of time transpires, there are three main things that will occur. They are the Defining, the Refining, and the Ordaining Period. These periods at the end, will usher in the fullness of time in anything.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace”.
Many times, we are waiting on God to grant us our desires and petitions, but we have to understand that although God hears us when we pray to Him, there is a process that has to occur before we can receive our petition from Him. Now, the duration of the process differs, but one common thing about the waiting process, is that, it waits in anticipation for the arrival of the fullness of time for what we seek after. This waiting process works for our good, because it helps us get prepared and appreciate what we prayed for before we receive it. Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”.
When a woman is pregnant, her baby does not just appear overnight, instead, there is a waiting and preparing process, before the baby is born at the fulness of time. If you were building a new house from scratch, it will take you time and effort to gradually build your house, and after all your hard work, your new house in completed at the fullness of time. A farmer, plants his seeds, and while he waits for the harvest, he weeds his crops, nurtures and waters it. Then when the fullness of time appears, he harvests his crops because they are now matured. But remember, he did not plant his seeds and reaped the harvest on the same day. A young child does not just get married, instead, he/she grows with time, learn life’s skills, plan and prepare; then when he/she is of age, he/she get married. So, it is with the fullness of time in anything or season. Whilst we prepare and wait for the new era to begin, we must remain watchful, focused, expectant and hopeful.
When we rush this waiting and preparation process before the fullness of time is revealed, we will miss out not only on quality, but on God’s best and choice for us. The waiting period before the fullness of time, is very crucial to us because it gives us clarity on what we asked from God. It is very easy for us to lose focus during the waiting and preparation period, especially if it is taking longer than we hoped for. But, really, every good thing, does take time to come. Therefore, rather than give up at the slightest discouragement, we should endeavour to wait patiently on God, because He alone truly knows the end from the beginning. The fullness of time is a time of joy, grace, empowerment and rewards.
The Three Periods before the Fullness of Time occurs
1. The Defining Period: This period helps us to have a clear vision and understanding of our expectations and desires; and the true reason why we want what we seek. At this foundational stage, we can have an expectation of what we seek after, and how it will impact us presently and in the future. I call it the seed time; a time when we choose what seeds to plan, and how.
2. The Refining Period: This period enables us to take time out to plan, prepare and build on expectations and goals, for the arrival of the what we expect at the fullness of time. This period is never an easy time for anyone, but it allows time for the perfecting and strengthening of our foundational goal. It also helps us develop patience, and not rush things.
3. The Ordaining Period: This period is the time when we watch out for the manifestation of the fullness of time pertaining our expectations and goals. It is an established stage, where we eagerly await the revealing of the much-anticipated new thing, time and season at the appropriate time. It is a period that ushers in the fruition of our expectations and goals at the fullness of its time.
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law. Before the Lord Jesus came to the earth, His birth was predicted by many prophets e.g. Isaiah. But there was a long period of wait from the time of these predictions, to the time that Jesus was born on the earth. His birth to the world, signified the fullness of time for His much-awaited arrival to save us from sin. When Jesus was born, He had to grow, work with his earthly parent (Joseph), taught the word of God, and finally sacrificed Himself to reconcile us back to God. The fullness of time is born out of waiting and anticipation.
Remember also in the bible, Daniel made his petition to God, and God responded immediately, but he waited twenty-one days for him to receive his petition through angel Gabriel because he was delayed by the prince of Persia. Daniel 10:12-14, “Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come”.
In the parable of The Ten Virgins, we can clearly see that only five virgins out of the ten, were wise to cautiously and diligently observe the waiting and preparation period before the fullness of time came when the Bridegroom arrived to collect his brides. Matthew 25:10, “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut”.
What can hinder the Fullness of Time of a thing or season?
1. Carelessness: Matthew 12:36, “But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment”.
2. Impatience: Psalms 27:14, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
3. Lack of consistency: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always,pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
4. Neglected: Hebrews 10:25, “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching”.
5. Procrastination: James 4:17, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them”.
6. Low expectations: Proverbs 23:18, “for surely there is an end, and your expectation will not be cut off”.
7. Distractions: Proverbs 4:25 Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you”.
8. Lack of proper planning: Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans”.
9. Lack of understanding: Proverbs 4:7, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding”.
10. Poor judgement: Leviticus 19:15, “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favouritism to the great but judge your neighbour fairly”.
11. Bad Attitude: Philippians 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus”.
12. Lack of priority: Matthew 6:33, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you”.
13. The enemy: 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour”.
It is vital as children of God, to wait for His timing. God is never late! He is always in complete control of all things, especially things that concerns His beloved children. He is faithful and just to accomplish all that He has promised us. Whilst we wait for the fullness of time in our endeavours, it is commendable that we prayerfully seek God, and wait patiently until we receive our petitions. In the meantime, rest in His peace that passes all understanding, for His grace is sufficient for us.. Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”.
Praise God!
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