Understanding God’s Timingਨਮੂਨਾ

One of the most overlooked principles regarding transitions is the importance of completion. God rarely calls us to shift before our current assignment reaches proper completion. We see this clearly demonstrated in Moses' experience with the tabernacle.

In Exodus 40:33-34, it says, "And he raised up the court all around the tabernacle and the altar and hung up the screen of the court gate. So Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." Notice the sequence: Moses finished the work, and then God's presence filled and covered the tabernacle, preparing them for the journey ahead.

This principle appears repeatedly throughout Scripture. Jesus Himself declared on the cross, "It is finished" (John 19:30), ensuring complete fulfillment of His redemptive work before His resurrection and ascension. Paul likewise stated in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith," emphasizing completion before transition.

In my own journey, I've experienced the necessity of completing one assignment before embracing the next. When God directed me to shift my focus away from my brand agency, I needed to ensure proper completion—not abandonment—of that work. This involved careful planning, communication with clients, and responsible transition of projects. God honors our commitment to finish well what He previously assigned.

However, our natural tendencies often pull us in opposite directions. Some of us, eager for the next opportunity, may prematurely abandon our current responsibilities. Others, comfortable in familiar territory, may resist necessary shifts even when current assignments reach completion. Neither approach honors God's timing or purposes.

How, then, do we discern whether we've completed our current assignment sufficiently for transition? First, we must honestly evaluate our motives. Are we considering transition due to fatigue, frustration, or comparison with others? These emotions, while natural, rarely indicate divine timing for shifts. In contrast, a God-ordained shift typically arrives with peace even amid uncertainty.

Second, we should seek confirmation through prayer, Scripture, and godly counsel. When God calls us to shift, He typically confirms this direction through multiple sources. Just as multiple witnesses established truth in biblical law, multiple confirmations often reveal God's direction and guidance today.

Finally, we must consider impact and succession. Has our current work produced the fruit God intended? Have we equipped others to continue or build upon what we've established? Kingdom work rarely concludes altogether; instead, it transitions from one steward to another.

When we honor God by finishing well, He faithfully guides us into new seasons with His presence going before us.

Final Prayer: Father, thank You for Your perfect guidance in every season of our lives. Give us the discernment to recognize when You're calling us to shift and the faithfulness to complete our current assignments well. Help us to follow when You lead and remain when You establish. May we be sensitive to Your presence, which both fills and settles, guiding and governing our every step. In Jesus' name, Amen.

If you enjoyed this reading plan by Rachel G. Scott, you'll love the complimentary guided journal she created called Where to GROW from Here?: A 14-day Guided Journal and Quiz to help you grow in your walk with God. Take the quiz and/or grab your journal HERE.