The Fullness of Time

Main Idea:

 The Fullness of Time in God’s Providence

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that God governs all things with wisdom and order, and that everything has its appropriate time, determined according to His good will. God is not late in answering; rather, He works at the time He considers best. What a person sometimes calls a delay is, in God’s providence, “the proper time and the fullness of time.” This principle is evident in God’s preparation for the First Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, and it also applies to the expectation of His Second Coming, as events unfold according to a precise divine order.

Spiritual Message:

 Trust in God’s Timing

The sermon emphasizes that a person should not impose personal deadlines on God or demand that things happen quickly according to personal desires. God sees the complete picture, whereas a person often views a problem from a limited perspective. Therefore, God may arrange several things together so that He can solve one problem while bringing good to many people. The sermon affirms that prayer does not mean rushing God or doubting His response; rather, it means presenting our requests to Him and leaving them in His hands with trust and calmness.

Educational Lesson:

Divine Wisdom Behind Waiting

The sermon presents biblical and spiritual examples showing that waiting may be part of God’s wise providence. Job endured his trial until the time came when God lifted his affliction, and David waited a long time before assuming leadership. The example of Joseph the Righteous also shows how years of slavery and imprisonment became the path that led him to responsibility and to saving many people. The sermon also mentions Hannah, the mother of Samuel, whose period of waiting prepared her to dedicate her son to God’s service, and Saint Monica, who continued praying for her son Augustine until he repented and became a great saint. These examples demonstrate that a person may not understand the wisdom behind events when they occur, but may recognize it later.

Practical Application:

 Patience Alongside Diligence

The sermon calls us to practice patience, perseverance, and calmness while continuing to pray and trust in God’s love and providence. However, it also explains that the fullness of time does not justify negligence, laziness, or personal mistakes. A person is responsible for fulfilling duties on time and should not cause delays through personal shortcomings. As for matters that fall within God’s providence, we should leave them in His hands, trusting that His timing and wisdom are better than our human expectations. With this trust, a person can live in peace and reassurance, even when the reason for waiting is not yet understood.

For better translation support, please contact the center.