Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the

proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

The Greeks had two words for time: chronos and kairos. Chronos has to do with the sequence of moments or chronological time, whereas kairos has to do with a specific time, or in some verses, it refers to the appointed time or opportune time for something to happen, specifically for God to act. Kairos is used 86 times in the New Testament.

John the Baptist was born at an appointed time (Lk. 1:20).

In the parable of the wheat and weeds, the farmer instructs the workers to let the weeds grow up with the wheat and at the right time of harvest, the harvesters will sort them out (Mt. 13:24-30).

Leading up to the last supper, Jesus tells his disciples His time had come (Mt. 26:18) and another time He tells them His time had not yet come (Jn. 7:6).

When the disciples asked Jesus if the time had come to free Israel and restore the kingdom, Jesus tells them those dates and times are only known by the Father.

We know that in the latter times (kairos), some will turn away from true faith and follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from the enemy (1 Tim. 4:1). We are living in those latter times and each one of us has seen this happen to someone (or many someones) we love. We should not be surprised. Scripture tells us it will happen. We didn’t want it to, but it did and now we must turn to other promises about kairos times.

If we don’t give up in doing good, we will reap a harvest of blessing at the right (kairos) time. So as we have opportunity (kairos times), we should do good to everyone, especially to believers (Gal. 6:9-10).

We are to pray in the Spirit at all kairos times, praying for all believers (Eph. 6:1).

We are to pray for unbelievers as well. Paul told Timothy to pray for all people (1 Tim. 2:1) because He desires that everyone be saved and know the truth (1 Tim. 2:4). Jesus gave His life at the right (kairos) time to purchase freedom for everyone (1 Tim. 2:6).

Live wisely among those who don’t believe and make the most of every opportunity (kairos). Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response (Col. 4:5-6).

Listen to how Jesus prayed: “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.” (Jn. 17:20) Our prayer times can be kairos moments. George Muller said this about the importance of persisting in prayer:

The great point is never to give up until the answer comes…The great fault of the children of God is that they do not continue in prayer; they do not go on praying; they do not persevere. If they desire anything for God’s glory, they should pray until they get it. Oh how good, kind, gracious, and generous in the One with whom we have to do! Sometimes we pray and pray and seemingly see no change. But that’s only true from our perspective. If we could see from heaven’s standpoint, we would know what god is doing and intending to do. We would see God working in hearts in ways we cannot know. We would see God orchestrating circumstances about which we know nothing. We would see a galaxy of details being set in place for the moment when God brings the answer to fulfillment.

That moment when God brings the answer will be a kairos moment! George Muller prayed for a man’s salvation for 63 years. The man received Christ after Muller’s death while standing at his grave.

Bill Yount heard these word recently: our prodigals are part of the nation and it applies to all of us

I heard the Lord Say, "Be patient, your nation is having major heart surgery. Stay in the waiting room and pray. Stop grumbling and complaining. It can delay and even cancel this kairos moment as your nation is on My operating table. Speak life and become love to every person. Embrace your opposition and enemies so they will experience My arms of love surrounding them. Protest the devil, not people. What appears to be chaos and gross darkness to you are the instruments I pick up in My hands and use to give new hearts to nations. Nothing is being wasted in the hands of your Redeemer. Your heart is also included in this surgery. Trust Me, and tell your heart to beat again!"

Bill faithfully served in prison ministry at Mount Hope for 23 years and now travels full-time, both in the U.S. and internationally, ministering in churches and Aglow circles.

I leave you with two verses that speak to our situation of waiting for the appointed time and holding on to the promise God has given us:

But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.

Romans 8:25

If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.

Habakkuk 3:2