I like the term. Time release (technically, “modified-release dosage”) medicines were first developed in the 1940s. They allowed patients to benefit from a pill or capsule’s effect longer. Spiritually speaking, death’s sort of a “time release”, as well. Time, as we know it on earth, will cease to be something we’re aware of. There are no clocks in heaven. Or hell, for that matter.
“Time release” also applies to the seeds of salvation we Christians sow along our path through life. We may or may not see them sprout. In most cases, God causes them to take root in a person’s heart only after He deems the soil fertile. For many of us living in this “on demand” world this can be frustrating because we want to see palpable results now.
In the New Testament we read Paul wasn’t pleased with the way things were going in Corinth. While some folks had been converted, the strong opposition he faced was enough to make him wonder if his preaching was in vain. Then we’re told, “The Lord said to Paul by a vision in the night, ‘Don’t be afraid, but speak and don’t be silent, because I’m with you, and no one will assault you to harm you, because I have many people in this city.’ So he stayed there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them” (Acts 18:9-11).
Jesus commanded Paul to “keep on keepin’ on” due to the fact there were people in the Corinth area whom Christ was going to draw to Himself through their hearing the gospel Paul was preaching. In other words, Paul was told, “What you’re sowing are ‘time release’ seeds. They’ll spring up when the hour’s right. Don’t stop.” All Christians should take the Bible verse above to heart. Like it did for Paul, it should reinforce our confidence in God’s perfect plan.
J.I. Packer wrote, “Paul’s confidence was that where Christ sends the gospel, there Christ has His people – bound at present in the chains of sin, but due for release at the appointed moment through a renewing of their hearts as the light of the gospel shines into their darkness, and the Savior draws them to Himself.” We should never trust in our ability to save, but in Jesus’ alone.
This knowledge should embolden our evangelistic efforts. Especially when we’re met with skepticism, apathy or even outrage over the truth we speak. Paul, once a highly motivated enemy of Christ, literally encountered our risen Lord and became His most enthusiastic advocate overnight. If God can transform his heart, He can transform anyone’s.
I’ll gladly testify a similar-but-not-nearly-as-dramatic miracle happened to me ten years ago. Living life “my way” had led me into the valley of despair and I finally turned to Christ for rescue. The gospel seed planted in me during my youth broke ground at last and it’s continued to grow and produce nutritious fruit ever since. I was a wretched excuse for a man but nowadays I’m a sinner saved by amazing grace. If God can do that for me, he can do it for anybody.
The Scriptures encourage me to persevere in presenting Christ to the lost without trepidation. I certainly have no excuse for being bashful talking about Jesus. I can be as straightforward and honest about the “Good News” as I dare because, deep down, I know God can and will energize His words of truth with an effectiveness that I alone can’t provide. That’s the power of the Word. It can penetrate even the thickest of skulls.
When we’re genuinely confident we’re not wasting time by evangelizing, we have more patience than we normally have. We know all too well patience is a rare commodity in the 21st century because instant gratification isn’t a preference, it’s a demand. But God’s never in a rush. Packer commented, “God saves in His own time, and we ought not suppose He’s in such a hurry as we are.”
I confess to being way too impatient about way too many things. Therefore to obediently serve my Lord through witnessing as often as possible I’ve had to discipline myself to not give up on stubborn folks; to “stick with it” even when they snub me; to persevere by reminding myself of what’s at stake for the future of their soul – eternity.
I must realize what I tell someone concerning salvation may only be figurative “steppingstones” that’ll precede the breakthrough they might experience down the road hearing from another Christian; one whose evangelizing switches on God’s marvelous light in their heart and mind. Jesus spun the parable of the harvest workers to teach His disciples that sometimes “One sows and another reaps” (John 4:37). It’s all good.
The most efficient way to influence unbelievers is to establish a friendship with them, thereby discovering where they’re at spiritually so you’ll know where to start. Nothing works better than getting someone to trust what you’re telling them is the unfiltered truth. Now, they may not believe the truth as quickly as you’d like but that’s where patience really pays off.
You may inquire, “What can I do to develop more patience?” It’s all about the basics. Keep reminding yourself God is sovereign in grace; that His Word will suffice to draw His own to Christ; that He’ll place His elect in the right place at the right time to evangelize to His lost lambs; that, as Jesus stated, “My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they’ll never perish; no one will snatch them from my hand” (John 10:27-28).
Never forget how patient God has been and continues to be with you and me. He kept Abraham waiting 25 years for the birth of his son so it should come as no surprise He often keeps His children in suspense while waiting to see if their evangelistic endeavors pay off in winning souls to Christ. Stay the course.
Even Christians Get the Blues 