Reflections On Ecclesiastes Three
Key Verse: He sets the time for finding and the time for losing Eccelesiates 3:6A(GNT)
Our reflections on this chapter of the book of Ecclesiastes began with the statement: There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven. God sets these seasons and times. (See previous posts for clarity)
He sets the time for finding and the time for losing.
We all have many things we seek; there are as diverse as our names. There are things God finds or seeks on the earth, too; in the days of Abraham, God said he would spare Sodom if he found ten righteous people; unfortunately, he could not find them.
Abraham said, “Please don’t be angry, Lord, and I will speak only once more. What if only ten are found?” He said, “I will not destroy it if there are ten.” Genesis 18:32(KJV)
God also seeks fruit from his planting at specific times. It is not enough that a tree will eventually bear fruit, but it has to be at God’s time, or it could attract judgment.
Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? Luke 13:7(KJV)
For we are partners working together for God, and you are God’s field. You are also God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:9(GNT)
Bearing fruit is God’s expectation for every believer, and there is a right time and season for it to happen in our lives. Our fruit distinguishes us as being genuine or false believers.
Watch out for false prophets! They dress up like sheep, but inside they are wolves who have come to attack you. 16 You can tell what they are by what they do. No one picks grapes or figs from thornbushes. Matthew 7:15-16(CEV)
Bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance [let your lives prove your change of heart]; Matthew 3:8(AMPC)
And don’t think you can escape punishment by saying that Abraham is your ancestor. I tell you that God can take these rocks and make descendants for Abraham! The ax is ready to cut down the trees at the roots; every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire. Matthew 3:9-11(GNT)
One concern Jesus had during his days on earth was finding faith among believers in the last days. Even today, many are giving up hope that their prayers will be answered because of delays, disappointments, and trials they are going through. God wants to find faith in your life at all times. Grow your faith by increasing the knowledge of the word of God you have.
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luke18:8(KJV)
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17(KJV)
There will be a time when we will lose valuable things and even people. Jesus taught this in the parable of the lost sheep, silver, and Son. His conclusion was always the same. God is interested in finding sinners who come to salvation. Would you like to be a part of helping God find them?
What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness and go after that which is lost until he finds it? Luke 15:4(KJV)
In the same way, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine respectable people who do not need to repent. Luke 15:7 (GNT)
In the same way, I tell you, the angels of God rejoice over one sinner who repents.” Luke15:10(GNT)
There is a time to find God; the scriptures say there will be a time when it would be difficult to find God. Have you found God, or are you still busy in search of every other thing but God?
From one human being he created all races of people and made them live throughout the whole earth. He himself fixed beforehand the exact times and the limits of the places where they would live. He did this so that they would look for him, and perhaps find him as they felt around for him. Yet God is actually not far from any one of us; Acts 17:26-27(GNT)
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; Isaiah 55:6(ESV)
There are many things we are all trying to find; Saul had to find the lost asses, Abraham had to find a wife for Isaac, Peter and the apostles had to go “a-fishing”, but found no fish! God sets the times and seasons when we can discover provisions, opportunities, and pathways. Trust him for whatever you seek.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Proverbs 3:5(GNT)
This is not an easy command to obey, but it is the key to finding peace in a world of uncertainties. The Holy Spirit helps us to trust in God’s wisdom and goodness.
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:26-28(MSG)
There is a time when our loved ones must go back to their maker, a time when businesses may fail due to market forces or wrong decisions. When that happens, and we lose money, property, friends, or family, we can find comfort in knowing that God sets the times and he knows how to bring good out of that complex and painful situation. The lost asses created the need for Saul to seek Samuel, and he discovered his destiny as King of Israel.
Knowing God’s character helps us see how all things can work together for good, for all who love God and are called according to his purpose. If you are a man or woman of purpose, rest assured that nothing that happens to you is an accident.
If you have been trying to find something or someone, trust God’s timing, do everything God expects you to do, and wait for Him.
For everyone who keeps on asking [persistently], receives; and he who keeps on seeking [persistently], finds; and to him who keeps on knocking [persistently], the door will be opened. Luke 11:10(AMP)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my times are in your hand; I choose to trust your timing for all l seek, knowing you will bring them to pass for my good. Help me to be a part of what you seek on earth; make it my priority in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Ada