“Man operates in Chronos, or measured time; God operates in Kairos – an opportune or supreme moment. ”
Teresa Hairston
The word chronological stems from the Greek word Chronos referring to how time passes, such as the days of the week and time on a clock. But the word Kairos refers to the quality of time, the opportune time for a specific event to occur. Kairos is God’s time to act; it is His ability to set up the circumstances so that what He desires comes to fruition. I love watching God orchestrate my life, but there are enemies that can prevent Kairos moments from happening.
Distractions will rob us of our God-ordained set-ups. Dallas Willard writes, “All these students now are distracted. Their minds are in a thousand different places. And because of that, they miss out on the kingdom of God breaking in all around them. They miss out on the whispers and the promptings of God.” The antidote for distractions is focus. Lock your gaze upon Jesus.
Busyness steals our awareness of a life full of Kairos moments. When we’re running around without time to ponder, we are blinded to watching the Holy Spirit move or too deaf to hear God’s gentle whispers. Slowing down, creating space for God, and embracing silence and solitude, sensitizes us to what God is up to.
Our expectations keep us from experiencing Kairos moments when we expect God to move in a certain way. But God is not confined by a box; He has no boundaries to how He might proceed. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20). Anticipate God’s desire and ability to set up Kairos events and surrender to His wishes.
Our move to Wichita four years ago set me up to experience an increase in Kairos moments. I had few friends and commitments, so I could sit still more with the Lord, watching and waiting to see Him move. Kairos moments are God’s invitation to a great adventure with Him, making every moment count.
“...Kairos, a New Testament word that has to do with opportunity, with moments that seem ripe for their intended purpose. We get glimpses of how God might be working out His purposes in our days.”
Henri Nouwen
Relevant Reflection:
Describe a recent Kairos moment. What actions did you take or not take which opened you up to being aware of God’s movement in your life?
Image by JamesDeMers from Pixabay