just-in-time

My first permanent job out of high school involved working as a junior clerk in the purchasing department of a large optometrical company in Adelaide. Not long after starting my job I was informed by my manager that if I wanted to get on in the company I would need to do some part-time study – the way he looked at me when he said this pretty well implied that I had no option but to do some study!

And so, I enrolled (at the company’s expense) in a 3 year TAFE course, attending two classes every week; one during working hours, one at night. I actually enjoyed this course, probably for two main reasons; 1) what I was studying related directly to my job (I was able to apply theories and practices to my work environment), and 2) the incentive was there for me to complete the course and potentially receive higher pay and job promotion (which in fact did eventually happen, on several occasions).

One of the strategies I learnt about through my course was the ‘just-in-time’ inventory and production system.

The main goal of ‘JIT’ is to order and receive goods only as they are needed in the production process, thereby increasing efficiency, decreasing waste whilst also reducing inventory and overhead costs. There is obviously a substantial risk with such an approach because if required stock items and parts are not delivered on time production will stop, resulting in a frustrated workforce and unhappy customers.

Enough of the workplace theory for now.

Lately I’ve been reminded that the God I know and serve often seems to work in a just-in-time kind of way.

Over the past few weeks the Lord has been revealing to me that he knows what I need, when I need it and where I need it, even if I may have not been fully conscious of just how much I have needed his timely delivery into my life.

This provision has served to fill my tank, just when I’ve needed it, meeting me at my at my point of emotional, physical or spiritual need.

Allow me to provide a few examples to help explain…

Just-in-time conversations.

During a recent trip to Perth I was delighted to catch up with a number of valued Christian friends; people whom I had been privileged to get to know when my wife Judy and I lived in Perth. I hadn’t seen these people for over 12 years and sensed I should do what I could to meet up again. So, some appointments were set up, no problems.

Without going into specifics, all I will say is that it was mutually beneficial for me to be able to re-engage with each of these people after such a long break. It was transforming to be able to simply sit, drink coffee and pick up where we had left off; sharing our stories, our joys and struggles - unpacking the various experiences and lessons of life and faith we had encountered as our own unique storylines have unfolded.

As my Perth friends and I talked and listened and pondered I sensed there was an obvious symmetry emerging between our storylines. It was as though we had entered into a common rhythm together - it was as though our hearts were beating as one. I must say that I found this to be deeply moving, especially when coming to a realisation that we are not alone in our experiences of life and faith; there can be a common path we are called to tread as we follow Jesus.

Just-in-time scriptures.

I continue to marvel at the way God brings to light a key bible passage or verse that will speak profoundly into my life circumstances right when I need to read or hear it.

Recent examples have included;

My need: insight and discernment for making some important (and urgent) decisions.

God’s response, coming through a daily devotional reading; “if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding… then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God…for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.”  (Proverbs 2:2-8)

My need: to find a way to achieve break-through in order to move forward in a perplexing situation.

God’s response, coming through a corporate prayer gathering; “…the battle is not yours, but God’s…you will not have to fight this battle…do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (2 Chronicles 20:15-17)

It is during such times of revelation, when a situation seems chaotic and confusing that I find myself knowing an inner peace that passes human understanding together with a deep assurance that God is present, God is active and that God will provide all that is needed as he leads me on.

Just-in-time expressions of love.

A further illustration of God meeting needs has come via some unexpected touches received from various members of the body of Christ.

In recent weeks our family has benefitted from some very practical expressions of love. These have included words of affirmation and appreciation, a 10kg bag of rice, a gift box of assorted teas, a school visit on Grandparents Day (our children don’t have their own grandparents living in Melbourne) together with some much-needed additional financial support.

It’s good to be able to count our blessings in such a tangible way. It’s good for our children to see evidence of God at work in our lives. God is good, all the time.

Cross-referencing.

Probably the greatest example of the just-in-time activity of God can be seen in what Jesus has achieved through his sacrificial death on the cross – the ultimate expression of love in action.

I believe the Apostle Paul sums it up well when he writes in Romans 5:6; “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.”

Jesus himself knew the time was right. God's timing is always perfect. At the conclusion of his Last Supper in that upstairs room Jesus was able to pray in the presence of his disciples; “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.” Jesus went on to pray; “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.”  (John 17:1 & 4). 

The cross provides us with a clear perspective of how the timing and purposes of God align together - it can serve as the perfect reference point for someone seeking to walk in the way of Jesus.

 

“To follow Jesus implies that we enter into a way of life that is given character and shape and direction by the one who calls us. To follow Jesus means picking up rhythms and ways of doing things that are often unsaid but always derivative from Jesus, formed by the influence of Jesus.”

Eugene Peterson, The Way of Jesus

*with thanks to Andrew and Dianne Jarvey (Ellenbrook Salvation Army, Perth) for allowing me to include the above photo of their mosaic cross...inspirational!