Wisdom in Timing

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

January 18th Sermon, Day 3

"Strike while the iron is hot." "Speak now or forever hold your peace." Our culture is full of sayings that push us toward immediate action and instant responses. But what if wisdom sometimes calls us to wait?

Not every truth needs to be spoken immediately. Not every debate needs to be entered into right here, right now. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is pause and ask: "Is this the right moment?"

Wisdom pays attention to more than just what needs to be said—it considers when and how. Is the person defensive right now? Are they hurting? Are they open to hearing difficult truths, or do they need comfort first? Sometimes the same words that would be rejected in one moment are received with gratitude in another.

This doesn't mean we avoid difficult conversations or compromise on truth. It means we care enough about the person and the relationship to wait for the right moment. It means our goal is love, not just being right.

Jesus modeled this perfectly. He had countless opportunities to correct people immediately, but He often waited for teachable moments. He met people where they were and spoke truth in ways they could receive.

Grace-filled conversations don't rush. They listen. They pay attention. They recognize that timing can be just as important as the truth itself. When we slow down and seek God's wisdom about timing, our words have a much better chance of actually being heard and received.

Bible Verse

'Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.' - Colossians 4:2-6

Reflection Question

Think of a recent conversation that didn't go well—how might the outcome have been different if you had considered the timing more carefully?

Quote

Wisdom asks, is this the right moment? It asks, is this person open or defensive in this moment? Is now the right time? Wisdom asks, is my goal to love or to win?

Prayer

God, give me wisdom to know not just what to say, but when to say it. Help me to be patient and discerning, caring more about loving well than being right quickly. Show me when to speak and when to wait. Amen.