At the Appointed Time - Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry

 At the Appointed Time

“Is anything too difficult for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” Genesis 18:14, NASB

 

Always wanting to read a good book, I looked over the hundreds in my home library bookcases for one I hadn’t as yet read. But then my eye was drawn to the hardback “Appointment in Jerusalem” by Derek and Lydia Prince (Whitaker House 2005).

Having had the honor of serving with Derek Prince Ministries in the late 1980s and again 2000-2005, for a total of eight years, I had all of Derek’s books, and indeed had read each up through that time. Whenever one of his new books was published, and there were many, each staff member was given a free copy. Some autographed.

I consider Derek one of the greatest Bible teachers I have ever known. With sound, biblical, foundational teaching, some topics which few wrote on, then and now, Derek’s simple but clear understanding was shared in word and script with thousands over his years. I highly recommend his teachings for any who seek sound truth. And being he only used his Bible and Strong’s Concordance in his study, there is no mix of worldly speculation and hearsay.

Even though I had read the 1975 first edition of “Appointment in Jerusalem” a few decades ago (you can buy the book here from Derek Prince Ministries), I wanted to read it again. Given our ministry of Love For His People’s commitment to Israel and the Jews, and the ongoing passion we have as Christians in support of them, it seemed good to do so once again.

As wonderfully described in the publication, Derek’s first wife Lydia struggled at first, but finally made the commitment to go to Jerusalem, leaving her family, job, and home in Denmark to do so. Being led in much the same as she found out later as doing what the Lord had called Abraham to do – go and do without knowing where, how, or what all would come of it – she obeyed with little in her pocket and many uncertainties the first year.

This autobiography is a great encouragement for those willing to hear and obey the Lord’s call.

As I read through the chapters, I again recalled how the Lord had led our family, from Illinois, to Michigan, to Florida, and then finally to North Carolina. It has been a journey we had not planned or anticipated but can truly proclaim it has been led by the Spirit of God. Seeing the Lord provide in unexpected ways, joining us with many others along the way, we too have seen the hand of God.

There was one specific example of trusting the Lord in Lydia’s story regarding her first adopted daughter Tikvah. Particularly when she saw the life of Abraham revealed and played out in her own life as she too was called to “give up” in order to then receive back bountifully. At the appointed time, God’s appointed time, it happened. Her faith and trust grew greatly as a result.

Each of us will experience times along the road we walk where we will be challenged in our faith to trust the Lord. For all, it is that first step of accepting forgiveness from Him for our sin, and then committing to Him our life to lead as He knows is best.

And as each year goes by, even after decades of walking with the Lord, He will present a challenge before us to choose in faith to decide His will or go with our own decision. And even as Abraham, Lydia, and so many more who have gone before us, we too must decide to seek Him for the right choice of the many we will have presented before us.

At the appointed time, as we stay true in our faith, we will see the hand of the Lord bring the provision, the protection, the direction He has for our life, our families, and our nations. He will never be late. Sometimes we will be right at the cliff, but when we jump, He provides the wings.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin, Love For His People founder