Iyanuoluwa E. Owojori

Hmmnnn…I’ve been thinking about this lately - not every good help is helpful at every time.

Sometimes, what makes help truly meaningful isn’t just what one gives but when it’s given.

For example, in neonatal care, we understand how important timing can be. When a newborn is suspected to have a serious infection, antibiotics may need to be administered urgently, and within the recommended timeframe, usually within one hour (golden hour). We won’t say, “Well, the antibiotics are good medicine, so it doesn’t matter when we give them.” No. The right treatment at the right time matters.

And I think there’s a lesson in that for everyday life too.

Someone may desperately need £20 today. Giving them £200 six months later may be generous, but it doesn’t change the fact that they needed help then.

Someone may need you to show up for them during a difficult season. Showing up when everything is already fine is still kind, but it may not carry the same weight.

Someone may need you to look after their kid now but you don’t offer or you’re not able to till after 48 hours.

Someone may need - a word of encouragement now, a meal now, a listening ear now, a recommendation now, an introduction now or even your presence now.

Many times, there are opportunities to help that have a window.

The Bible says “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” - Proverbs 3:27

And I also love that last part that emphasises “when it is in your power to act.”

Sometimes we have good intentions. We plan to call. We plan to give. We plan to check in. We plan to connect someone to an opportunity. And eventually, we may actually do it. However sometimes, the moment when that help was most needed may have passed.

Of course, we cannot meet every need, and wisdom is important. But when God places someone in our path, we have the capacity to help, and we know the help is genuinely needed, let’s not unnecessarily delay kindness.

Sometimes, the difference between simply helping someone and truly being a help to someone is timing.

Right help. Right person. Right time.
May God help us to discern right and do right in Jes