4 Indicators It’s Time to Act

There’s a lot to be said for planning and preparation. There’s wisdom in thinking things through in advance. Many mistakes have been made because of being rash and hurrying things. Yet there also comes a time to act. In yesterday's post we talked about why you should stop and wait upon God before acting. Today we’re going to look at the flip side of this issue. Just like there are admonitions in the Bible to wait upon God there are also verses that tell us it is time to act. Here are three verses that emphasize it is time to act.

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37–38

“Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” John 4:35

In these two verses Jesus told his disciples it was time to act. He wanted them to get busy with the work of telling others about Him. There was no planning needed, no reason to wait. At that moment there were many who needed to hear about Jesus. It’s just as true today as it was then. In this next verse the Apostle Paul speaks to those who haven’t yet believed in Jesus.

For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

Here Paul tells those who haven’t yet believed that it’s time to act. He says it’s time to believe in Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. That's just as true today. Sharing our faith and believing in Jesus are only two examples of urgent issues that require immediate action. Here are four principles to guide you to discern whether you need to continue your planning and preparation or if it is time to act.

4 indicators it is time to act

1. You know what to do. Here’s what James says about the person who knows what to do but doesn’t do it. “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” James 4:17
2. You know how to do it. You have the skill or ability needed to do the task that is before you. Don’t pretend you don’t or can’t when you can. God gave you the ability. Use it. You can’t give it back. Romans 11:29
3. It needs to be done. When Isaiah heard the Lord ask, “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?” he said, “Here am I, send me!” Isaiah 6:8 Is there something you know needs to be done for God?
4. There is nothing stopping you. The door is wide open. When there are no obstacles preventing, you get busy for the Father. 1 Corinthians 16:8-9

[inlinetweet prefix="" tweeter="" suffix="@wardcushman"]God has entrusted you with work to do for Him. Be faithful today. It’s time to act![/inlinetweet] Please share any comments or questions below.