WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT, I, THE LORD WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN: Is It For Us?

 

When someone posts about graduating, passing the board exam, or any kind of success, I often see captions that say, “When the time is right, I, the Lord will make it happen.” This is actually a paraphrased version of Isaiah 60:22, which says, “The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly.” (NIV). Another translation puts it this way: “The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen.” (NLT). For many, this verse is taken as God’s promise that we will achieve our dreams “when the time is right.” By including this verse in their posts, they are acknowledging God as the source of success, which is indeed the right response whenever one receives a blessing.

Although their intention in using this verse is good, we still need to clarify that many people are misusing it. To be honest, this is not God’s promise that we will achieve what we want in the future. In fact, it’s not even a promise for us! What is this verse really about? The context shows that it is a promise specifically for the nation of Israel (Isaiah 60:1–22). In the verse itself, it clearly says that it is God’s promise that they will become a mighty nation (v. 22).

Why should we correct this? If it inspires people, why bother fixing it? A verse taken out of context brings false hope. It can mislead! It might even cause disappointment for those who will never receive the dreams they’ve been waiting for. While it’s true that some people do get their answered prayers after a long time, sadly, it’s not the case for everyone, no matter how long they wait. We live in a world where not everything we desire will be granted. For believers, this should not come as a surprise. We are living in a fallen, imperfect world. We cannot expect to get everything we want.

If Isaiah 60:22 is not a guarantee of future success, can we still expect good things from God? Absolutely! As Christians, we have a good Father in heaven who “gives good gifts to those who ask Him” (Matt. 7:11). Even though we are not guaranteed to receive everything we ask from Him, we can still be sure that He will not withhold other good things from us. That’s why we are encouraged to keep asking Him. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil. 4:6). There’s nothing wrong with asking God in the hope that we may receive what we ask for. As James said, “You do not have because you do not ask God.” (James 4:2). But he also reminds us to recognize the uncertainties of life (vv. 13–15). As believers, we don’t just have hope—we also have the strength of Jesus that enables us to face whatever comes, whether good or bad, success or failure. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:12–13). Stay Curious.