To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Experts tell us that timing means everything in business, politics, sports, or a career. Timing is also essential spiritually, whether it’s ministerial positions, starting a ministry, or marriage. Failure to understand God’s timing regarding a matter we’re praying about can lead to spiritual disappointments and missed opportunities. God usually answers our prayers by yes, never, or it’s not the time. Sometimes, a particular action is the only proper course; at other times, our good intentions can be inappropriate because the Lord says, “Not now.” Our inability to understand and obey these prompts marks spiritual immaturity and carnality.

We must be able to discern through our spirit what God is saying; when we fail to acknowledge God in our decision-making, sometimes it will lead us to suffer emotionally, physically, mentally as well as financially. We’re either led by our spirit, God’s Spirit, or Satan; whether we believe or not, something makes us decide. When the Spirit of God is leading us, we will not have fear, but when we’re being led by our spirit or the Spirit of Satan, we will be fearful or have hesitations.

As believers, we must place our faith in God and His Word. He has given us a promise if we need wisdom to ask Him (If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him—James 1:5). We need God’s wisdom when we make decisions in any area of our lives.

For example, you must confront your manager or supervisor about a concern or a matter. The time you may want to approach the matter may not be a good time. You will first determine whether this can be put off for a later day or another time or should be addressed promptly. If it needs to be addressed promptly, you will check with your manager as soon they can meet with you rather than bombarding their office.

When deciding to further one’s education, one would first make sure one can afford it, adjust to going to school and working full time, and if they’re married, children’s and spouses’ time has to be included in the schedule. When confronting a problem with our spouse, what would be the right time to address the issue? When facing our children, timing is just as crucial. This is why we pray and ask God for wisdom in everything we say or do that will leave a residue.

Timing and knowledge are needed even when actions or words are spoken at church that we may disagree with. We need the wisdom to know whether our emotions are getting in the way, whether the action was intended to offend, and how and when to confront the person or persons.

Wisdom is precious; it’s better than having gold or silver because when you have wisdom, it will teach you how to get the gold and the silver. Wisdom can open doors that money can’t buy, wisdom can bring peace in a chaotic situation, wisdom can exclude words that shouldn’t be spoken that we can’t be retrieved, wisdom can eliminate problems rather than being the problem. Wisdom will assist in determining who to befriend and who to keep out. Wisdom is crucial in every area of decision-making, and God will give us the wisdom we need when we ask for it.