"It's Time"

 The first verse in chapter 3 of the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes reads: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens". From there the book's author, King Solomon, shares eight verses of examples of what he was referencing when he stated that there is a "time for everything". 

 

²     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

 

During this year's holiday season what a better time could you find to take care of something that you have been procrastinating over this year, or in many cases over several years. I contend that "It's Time" now.

 

Fragmented relationships, addictions that have a firm grip on our daily life, or personal decisions that you have been setting to the side time and time again are three areas that I feel could relate to pretty much all of us. So, what do I mean that it's time. It's time to do something today about whatever it is you may be saying to yourself and others, I'll take care of that another day. My friend today is your day, don't put it off any longer. 

 

It is way too easy to blame the other person for a broken relationship. Family member, work associate, or longtime friend, it really doesn't matter it takes two to tango! Trust was broken, feelings were hurt, or a wrong was done to one party or the other, whatever the source of the fractured relationship, you have at your access the ability to take the first step in restoring that relationship. I'm pretty sure someone out there is saying to themselves right now, "Humph, I didn't do anything, I'm not going to do anything until insert name apologizes. Maybe you might remember what Jesus said as He hung on the cross. Beaten, tortured, and near-death Jesus pleaded, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" Luke 23:34. Does that sound like Jesus was waiting on the Roman soldiers who beat Him to apologize first? Maybe you're thinking, "Well I may do that tomorrow", I'm thinking, what if tomorrow never comes? Do you really want to leave this world or have the other person leave this world with an unresolved relationship between the two of you left on the table? "It's Time".

 

Addictions, some of our readers checked out as soon as they read that word. "I'm not addicted to drugs or alcohol so this one isn't for me." Today is definitely the right day to take the first step if a drug or alcohol addiction is your demon. The national substance abuse hotline phone number is 1-800-662-4357. It's time. Yet, not all addictions are drug or alcohol related. Some folks are addicted to material possessions, others are addicted to fame and fortune, and still others are addicted to habits that are likewise detrimental to one's health and well-being. Perhaps the person with an addiction isn't reading this message today, but you know someone that is fighting an addiction of whatever magnitude it is and they need help today. "It's time". In Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus says, "Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest." Healing for your addiction is waiting. "It's Time".

 

The last area we are going to look at today that may require you to take action is in the area of decision-making. Thinking about transitioning to a new career field or maybe even a new job? "It's Time". Sitting down and having that important conversation with your son or daughter, It's Time. Or, the most important decision you will ever make, or may not make is the decision to accept God as your Lord and Savior. To do that you must believe that Jesus was and is the Son of God. You must admit that you are a sinner, lost in this world. And then you must confess that you are lost, yet now you are found! The most important decision you will ever make and you need to make it today. "It's Time". 

 

Just as Solomon stated in the book of Ecclesiastes well over two thousand years ago, there is a time for everything, I believe your time to act is today. "It's Time"! Wait and you may be able to make up for it tomorrow. I'm just saying today is the best opportunity you have to take that first step towards reconciliation and healing. May your holidays be filled with warmth, memories made, and a true appreciation for the gift that God gave each of us! The gift of eternal life!

Coach Carter