Understanding God's Timing: Embracing Seasons of Growth

Summary

So often, frustration in life comes not from where we are or what we’re facing, but from misunderstanding the timing of God. God, in His wisdom, has given us the gift of time—not as a trap, but as a vehicle to deliver His promises and purposes at the right moment. Just as a loving father doesn’t give his children everything they ask for immediately, God withholds certain things until we are ready, so that blessings don’t become burdens. Time is the means by which God matures us, prepares us, and ensures that what He gives will be a true inheritance, not a fleeting prize.

Seasons are central to how God works. There is a time to plant and a time to harvest, a time to hold on and a time to let go. Many of our frustrations come from trying to force a harvest in a planting season, or refusing to move on when the season has changed. The people, opportunities, and blessings in our lives are often seasonal, and recognizing when time has shifted is crucial. It’s not that people or opportunities become bad; it’s that time has changed, and we must discern what belongs in each season.

Timing is everything. In life, as in music or sports, skill and effort mean little without the right timing. Acting out of season, even with the right intentions, can lead to fruitlessness or even harm. The key is to focus not on the pressures or voices around us, but on Jesus—the “ball” in the analogy—who reveals the right timing and leads us into fruitfulness. Jesus is the revealer of the hidden God, the one who takes us from mere comparison to true revelation. As we mature, He reveals more, and our understanding of timing deepens.

God is not hiding from us; He is inviting us to seek, to dig, to press in, so that He can reveal more of Himself and His timing. Sometimes, the most important growth happens unseen, as roots go deep before fruit appears. If you’re in a season of waiting, trust that God is working beneath the surface. As you gather wisdom from past seasons and allow Jesus to reveal the timing, you’ll find that fruit comes more quickly and even miracles can happen—God can accelerate what would otherwise take years.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Gift of Time and the Wisdom of Waiting
Time is not a curse but a gift from God, designed to deliver His promises at the right moment. Like a wise father, God withholds certain blessings until we are ready, ensuring that what He gives will not harm us or be wasted. Embracing the waiting seasons allows us to mature and receive our inheritance rather than a fleeting prize. [06:42]

- Discerning Seasons and Letting Go
Much of our frustration comes from not recognizing when a season has changed. People, opportunities, and blessings are often seasonal, and holding onto them past their time can hinder our growth. It’s not that these things become bad, but that time has shifted, and wisdom is knowing what to carry forward and what to release. [13:45]

- The Power of Right Timing Over Right Action
Doing the right thing at the wrong time can be as damaging as doing the wrong thing. Timing transforms right actions into fruitful ones, bringing restoration and life. We must learn to move not by pressure or external voices, but by the leading of Jesus, who reveals the right moment for every action. [21:54]

- Revelation Comes Through Jesus and Maturity
God often hides deeper truths in parables and comparisons, not to keep us in the dark, but to provoke us to seek and mature. As we grow, Jesus reveals more, taking us from surface understanding to true revelation. Each new level of maturity opens up greater insight into God’s timing and purposes. [34:49]

- Miracles and Accelerated Fruitfulness Through Understanding Timing
As we gather wisdom from past seasons and allow Jesus to reveal God’s timing, we find that fruit and answered prayer come more quickly. God can even eliminate time, bringing miracles that bypass natural processes. The more we understand and cooperate with God’s timing, the more we experience sustained fruitfulness and unexpected blessings. [49:38]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:52] - Introduction: Timing is Everything
[02:56] - The Parable of the Weeds and Wheat
[05:07] - Time as God’s Gift
[06:42] - The Goodness of a Waiting and Planning Father
[08:37] - Promises, Inheritance, and the Conveyor Belt of Time
[13:45] - Seasons Change: Letting Go and Moving Forward
[17:19] - The Dangers of Stubbornness and Missing the Season
[20:05] - Learning Timing: Lessons from Baseball
[21:54] - The Fruitfulness of Right Timing
[26:16] - The Importance of Saying the Right Thing at the Right Time
[29:44] - How to Know What Time You’re In
[30:32] - Parables: Hidden Revelation and Seeking God
[34:49] - Maturity, Revelation, and Jesus as the Revealer
[39:52] - Understanding the Signs of the Times
[43:01] - The Unseen Growth: Roots Before Fruit
[46:06] - Miracles: When God Eliminates Time
[48:45] - Gathering Wisdom from Past Seasons
[50:52] - Accelerated Fruitfulness and Miracles
[52:28] - Prayer for Revelation and Closing

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Gift of God’s Timing

---

### Bible Reading

Matthew 13:24-30 (ESV) – The Parable of the Weeds
> He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 11 (ESV)
> For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted... He has made everything beautiful in its time.

---

### Observation Questions

1. In the parable of the weeds (Matthew 13:24-30), why does the master tell the servants not to pull up the weeds right away? What does this reveal about his understanding of timing?
2. According to Ecclesiastes 3, what are some of the different “times” or “seasons” mentioned, and what does this suggest about how God works in our lives?
3. The sermon described time as a “gift” and not a “trap.” What examples did the pastor give to illustrate this idea? [[05:07]]
4. What are some of the dangers the pastor mentioned about acting out of season, even if our intentions are good? [[21:54]]

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. What does it mean that God withholds certain blessings until we are ready, and how does this reflect His character as a loving Father? [[06:42]]
2. The sermon said, “People, opportunities, and blessings are often seasonal.” How might this perspective change the way someone views relationships or opportunities that have ended? [[13:45]]
3. Why is it important to focus on Jesus (“the ball” in the analogy) rather than the pressures or voices around us when trying to discern God’s timing? [[20:05]]
4. The pastor talked about unseen growth, like roots growing before fruit appears. How does this image help us understand seasons of waiting or apparent inactivity in our spiritual lives? [[43:01]]

---

### Application Questions

1. Think about a time when you felt frustrated waiting for something you believed God had promised. Looking back, can you see how God might have been using that time to prepare you? How does this change your perspective on waiting? [[06:42]]
2. Are there any people, opportunities, or blessings in your life that you sense may have been for a past season? What would it look like to let go and trust God for what’s next? [[13:45]]
3. The pastor said, “Doing the right thing at the wrong time can be as damaging as doing the wrong thing.” Can you think of a situation where timing made all the difference? How can you seek God’s timing in your current decisions? [[21:54]]
4. Is there an area of your life where you feel like you’re “plowing hard ground” or not seeing fruit? How can you trust that God is working beneath the surface, even if you can’t see results yet? [[43:01]]
5. The sermon encouraged us to gather wisdom from past seasons and allow Jesus to reveal God’s timing. What is one lesson from a previous season that you can apply to your current situation? [[49:38]]
6. Have you ever experienced a “miracle” where God seemed to accelerate something in your life, bringing fruit or answers faster than expected? What did you learn from that experience? [[46:06]]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to focus more on Jesus and less on the pressures or voices around you, especially when making decisions about timing? [[20:05]]

---

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for discernment in their current season, for patience in waiting, and for the courage to let go of what belongs to a past season. Ask Jesus to reveal God’s timing and to bring fruitfulness in His way and in His time.

Devotional

Day 1: Timing is Everything: Trusting God’s Seasons

God has designed time as a gift, not a burden, arranging our lives so that we receive what we need when we are ready for it. Just as a loving parent withholds certain things from their children until the right moment, God withholds or gives according to His perfect timing, ensuring that blessings do not become burdens. When we grow frustrated with waiting or feel stuck, it is often not because God has forgotten us, but because He is preparing us for what is to come. Understanding and embracing the season we are in frees us from frustration and helps us walk in peace, knowing that God’s timing is always for our good. [05:07]

Matthew 13:24-30 (ESV)
He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”

Reflection: Where in your life are you feeling frustrated by waiting, and how might God be using this season to prepare you for something greater?


Day 2: There is a Season for Everything

Every part of life has its appointed time, and recognizing the season you are in—whether it is for planting, waiting, or harvesting—brings clarity and peace. When we try to force things out of season, we end up frustrated, feeling like we are spinning our wheels or missing out. God’s wisdom is seen in the way He makes everything beautiful in its time, and learning to discern what is for you in this season, and what is not, allows you to move forward without regret or confusion. Letting go of what belongs to a past season and embracing what God has for you now is key to living in His purpose. [13:45]

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 11 (ESV)
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted... He has made everything beautiful in its time.

Reflection: What is one thing or relationship you sense God is asking you to release or embrace in this current season?


Day 3: Jesus is the Revealer of God’s Timing

Jesus is the one who reveals the hidden things of God, helping us understand not just what to do, but when to do it. Just as a parable holds deeper meaning for those willing to seek it out, so too does God’s timing become clear as we draw near to Jesus and seek His wisdom. He is the arm of the Lord extended to us, the one who bridges the gap between our questions and God’s answers. When you feel stuck or uncertain about your next step, remember that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life—He will reveal the right time and the right way if you keep your eyes on Him. [37:02]

John 14:6 (ESV)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to seek Jesus’ guidance for timing, rather than relying on your own understanding?


Day 4: Fruitfulness Comes from Understanding the Signs of the Times

Fruitfulness in life and faith is not just about effort, but about recognizing the signs of the times and acting accordingly. Just as a gardener must know when to plant and when to harvest, so must we discern the spiritual climate and timing in our lives. Sometimes, the most important growth happens unseen, as roots go deep before fruit appears. If you feel like nothing is changing, trust that God is working beneath the surface, and that your season of visible fruit will come as you remain faithful and attentive to His timing. [43:01]

Psalm 1:2-3 (ESV)
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Reflection: Where do you see God calling you to be patient and trust that unseen growth is happening, even if you don’t see fruit yet?


Day 5: Miracles Happen When We Align with God’s Timing

God is not limited by time—He can accelerate seasons, bring sudden breakthroughs, and cause miracles to grow where we least expect them. Sometimes, what would take years in the natural can happen in a moment when Jesus steps in. The experiences, relationships, and lessons from past seasons are not wasted; God uses them to enrich the soil of your life, preparing you for greater fruitfulness and even unexpected blessings. As you seek Jesus and align with His timing, you open the door for miracles and answered prayers to come sooner than you imagined. [51:32]

Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Reflection: What miracle or breakthrough are you believing God for, and how can you position your heart to trust His timing for it today?

Quotes

People are not bad. The blessing did not turn into a curse. The past opportunity God gave you didn't turn into bondage. Time just changed. They're not the enemy. It's not the devil. Time changed. [00:14:01] (17 seconds)  #TimingDefinesNextPhase Edit Clip

You'll always miss the timing if you're moved by the pressure. If you're moved by the voices, if you're moved by the crowd, if you're moved by the sounds, you'll never miss the ball if you're moved by the ball. So if your focus is the ball, you'll figure out timing. And if your focus is the pressure, you'll miss the timing every single time. [00:21:19] (21 seconds)  #RightTimingRestores Edit Clip

Right and wrong alone do not bring life or fruit. But right and wrong, right, with the right timing, always brings fruit. Right and wrong don't bring restoration and fulfillment by themselves. Right and wrong does not bring fruit by itself. But with timing, it does. [00:28:15] (22 seconds)  #SustainThroughTiming Edit Clip

If you feel like you've been in a season of planting. If you feel like you're believing God for time. If you feel like you're just frustrated. Also, where you could be is if you see this plant. This is the plucking stage. This would be harvest. Some of us, though, are planting. Some of you planted. Some of you put seed in the ground. Some of you invested into your kids. You invested in the family. You're investing in your own spiritual life. You're investing in your business. But before anything grows up, it has to grow down. Down in the unseen is the most difficult part. Nobody knows what I'm going through down here. Nobody knows this soil is so hard. Nobody knows that I haven't had water in days. Nobody knows how difficult it is to make roots here. Nobody knows how difficult it is to attach to this land and this culture and these people. Nobody knows. But if you will trust God and you will believe for Him for timing, everything will start to be revealed. [00:42:49] (63 seconds)  #TrustTheProcess Edit Clip

If you feel like you're supposed to be in this time and you're this time, you will die there. You will stop trusting God there. You will run from family there. You'll discontinue attending church there. But if you understand, oh man, I'm just going deep. I'm just pressing in. I'm just plowing hard ground. I'm just making roots. I'm just connecting to something deeper than me. Then you can manage where you are. And pray that Jesus shows you the right timing and the timing changes for when things will be revealed to you. Don't give up. He's not finished with you yet. Your fruit just hasn't been revealed. You're just working on fruit. [00:44:07] (48 seconds)  #GodManipulatesTime Edit Clip

A miracle for us would be this, the elimination of time. That's why we hate time. Because the miracle would be, I struggled with this for years. I have six years of trauma. It's going to take six years of rehab. It's going to take six years of working on my mind. And Jesus shows up, and in one moment, trauma's gone. I had drug use. I had drug abuse. I'm dealing with alcohol. I've been in four rehabs. I can't get rid of it. I'm trying so hard. And then Jesus shows up, and boom, no time. It's over. It's over in your life. We're sick. We have a disease. We're battling this. We've had so many appointments. They're saying it's going to be 55 treatments before we even know that something's happening. And Jesus, boom, eliminates time. [00:46:30] (49 seconds)  #SeasonsTeachGrowth Edit Clip

As God is revealed, miracles can happen. As my father -in -law says, miracle grow. God can make miracles grow that you didn't pay the price for. That you didn't spend any time waiting for. And he will eliminate and cut time out of the process to give you the miracles you need in the season you're in. [00:51:20] (26 seconds)  #TimingInitiatesEncounter Edit Clip

Timing is what initiates encounter. Timing initiates encounter with God. Who's going to help us. Who can cause miracles. But Jesus is the one that reveals all things. So if you want to understand time. Sell out to spending time with Jesus. [00:51:53] (26 seconds) Edit Clip