Have you noticed we’re almost halfway through 2016?
Molly Totoro, a writer who loves the sights, smells and joy of the holidays, recently posted, “Only seven months until Christmas.”
Time indeed passes quickly, especially as we age, but really – don’t the months seem to flip through the calendar faster than ever before?
I’ve pondered the passage of time recently and the possibility of something unique happening.
A verse in Matthew 24:22 reminds us how difficult the last days will be. “Unless those days are shortened, all mankind will perish. But they will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen people” (TLB).
Bible scholars usually preach these verses as God’s way of protecting his people during the tribulation, his way of shortening the time of suffering.
But I wonder if this unique method of protection is already occurring. Maybe we’re seeing the increased crescendo of time on earth that eventually shortens our days.
Sally Jadlow, author of the Late Sooner series, calls it, “God tweaking time.”
Is Time-Tweaking a Possibility?
Certainly the Creator God can determine how time will flip through our online calendars. This incredible God carefully plans each day of our lives. Can he not also decide how long each day will be?
This beyond-the-scope-of-science God hung Jupiter in its particular orbit and designed rings around Saturn. If he can work in the vastness of space, he can also tweak the hours of our work days.
This loving God touches a baby’s cheek in the womb and imprints a dimple. This artistic God paints the tail of a blue jay with onyx black, azure blue and pale gray contrasts, then changes his divine palette to include the crimson and taupe of cardinals.
Surely this amazing God can tweak the revolutions of the earth so that time speeds up.
But why would God project a new way to manage time?
For the sake of his children. To protect those he loves. To help us endure when we don’t think we can stand one more day in this evil world.
To offer us hope.
Admittedly, I am homesick for heaven. I miss my dad and other saints who have finished their timelines and flown home.
Often I am discouraged by the sadness of so many lives and the suffering of countless people. The nightly news can pierce my heart. I keep a Kleenex box beside the television.
But I try to be patient because I know God has a plan and he waits for those who currently ignore him. He wants them to share in heaven, too.
Occasionally I hear the whisper of angels’ wings or the hum of a worship song unique to the heavenlies and I wonder – how close are we?
Maybe tomorrow. Or maybe in the blink of an eye – now!
And maybe God really is tweaking time because he’s anxious to hold us in his arms and cry, “Oh my sweet child – welcome home!”
©2016 RJ Thesman – Author of the Reverend G books http://amzn.to/1rXlCyh
Hi RJ. It’s only ‘natural’ that we long for home in the presence of the Lord. I’ve been out of commission for about 7 weeks because of a project I was doing for a client. It was very time consuming. When it got rough, I found myself with my Bible in my hand and asking the Lord for strength to continue. But all in all, I find that He continually gives strength so that we can live the life He planned for us before the foundation of the world. Our home in Heaven is secure. It’s here that far from certain. So, I say I appreciate the Father shortening the days because of His Children. Paul said, “for me to live is Christ. To die is gain”. Wow, we can’t lose.
How is Mom these day? You are constantly in my prayers.
Thank you for your prayers and comments. I’m glad you made it through your project – with the help of God’s strength ! Mom is moving more gradually into Stage 6, more confusion and more of a struggle when we “check her out” for a family event. However, she remains fairly content with her situation and her Bible is always on the table beside her for a quick peek at favorite verses.
This one really struck home with me. Thank you for your beautiful insight. May God continue to guide you and bring you peace.
Thank you for the comment, Layla. I’m glad you were encouraged by the post.
Amen and Amen! God is ABLE!
He certainly is and so faithful and loving. Thanks for the comment.
It’ll be interesting to see how it all works out.
It certainly will ! Someday, maybe we’ll all sit around in heaven and talk about it.
I’m ready, anytime He says “Go!”
Me, too, friend. Let’s fly away together !
Such a beautiful thought! Lord come quickly!
I agree with you, Jenny, in thought and in prayer. Thanks for the comment. See you in the heavenlies !