Timing Is Everything – Bishop T.D. Jakes

Thank you! Let’s turn together to the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 13, verses 24 through 30. Here, we’ll find today’s scripture reading. I’ll be reading from the New International Version (NIV). When you’ve found the passage, say “Amen”. If you’re still looking, just say, “Wait a minute!”

Matthew, the first book in the New Testament, contains a parable Jesus shared:

“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, then went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, the weeds also appeared. The servants asked the owner, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to pull them up?’ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat as well. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time, I will tell the harvesters: First, collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat into my barn.'”

Repeat this with me: “Timing is everything!” Once more: “Timing is everything!”

Holy Spirit, bless today’s message from Your Word. May it bring life, healing, renewal, and restoration. Guide us deeper into Your truths, uncovering treasures of ministry, healing, and revelation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now, let’s dive into today’s teaching.

I’ve lived for 55 years, started preaching at 19, and became a pastor at 21. Reflecting now, I realize the greatest things in life require patience and time. As a young man, impatience led me to believe that dreams and success would happen quickly. But true greatness, whether it’s cooking a delicious meal, nurturing a loving marriage, or raising children, requires time.

People who rush through cooking rarely cook well—quality demands patience. You can have a wedding in just 30 minutes, but building a strong marriage takes years of commitment. True wealth isn’t simply having money; it’s gaining wisdom and experiences through life’s struggles and journeys. Sudden riches without wisdom often lead to rapid loss—statistics show 70 to 80% of lottery winners lose their fortune within five years.

God teaches us valuable lessons in patience and perseverance. Challenges, struggles, and failures are profound teachers that guide us towards growth and stability. Doing well takes time; truly being well takes even longer.

Solomon wisely said in Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Every purpose in your life aligns with a specific season and timing. Some relationships and opportunities are seasonal. When seasons change, we sometimes mistakenly think the blessings have ended. But the truth is, the blessing remains—only the season has shifted.

Remember, the best things in life take time.