(1) Don't try to get out of anything prematurely. (James 1:4 TM)
The Bible says, "To every thing there is a season" (Ecc 3:1). So no matter how hard you pray, you can't pray your life's seasons away. There are some situations you aren't meant to change - you're just meant to survive! Paul calls these times, "light affliction, which is...for a moment" (2 Co 4:17). When you can't alter your circumstances you must learn to grow through them.
The Bible says, "To every thing there is a season" (Ecc 3:1). So no matter how hard you pray, you can't pray your life's seasons away. There are some situations you aren't meant to change - you're just meant to survive! Paul calls these times, "light affliction, which is...for a moment" (2 Co 4:17). When you can't alter your circumstances you must learn to grow through them.
In winter, trees take advantage of the season to rebuild their strength and prepare to be fruitful next season. Their sap and substance go underground. Then in the spring it pushes its way back up again in the form of new growth. Looking back over your life you'll find that your achievements are seasonal. Growth comes, then struggle, and vice versa. Each season has its purpose. God has a reason for not wanting you to be productive all the time. When He permits winter winds to blow through your life He's preparing you for the coming spring. James writes, "Consider it a...gift...when tests...come... under pressure, your faith...shows its true colours. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way" (Jam 1:2-4 TM).
One of the issues you'll struggle with in a waiting period is the urge to hurry, to make permanent decisions based on temporary circumstances. Don't do it! Every situation doesn't call for immediate action. Remember, patience comes from trust, and you can't trust a God you don't know. That's why you need to spend more time getting acquainted with Him through reading His Word and praying.
(2) Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit. (Zechariah 4:6 NIV)
God is a God of order; He ordains specific times for bringing specific purposes to pass. And it doesn't pay to get ahead of Him. Certain things can't be accomplished "by might, nor...power." So how are they accomplished? "By My Spirit." David said, "My times are in Your hands" (Ps 31:15 NIV). David understood that others can't short circuit God's plan for you. Once you're able to acknowledge that, you find peace - and stop trying to "make things happen." When God drops a seed into your life it needs time to take root and grow. And you don't have to be concerned with the outcome because when it's planted in a fertile, faith-filled heart, the results are guaranteed.
(2) Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit. (Zechariah 4:6 NIV)
God is a God of order; He ordains specific times for bringing specific purposes to pass. And it doesn't pay to get ahead of Him. Certain things can't be accomplished "by might, nor...power." So how are they accomplished? "By My Spirit." David said, "My times are in Your hands" (Ps 31:15 NIV). David understood that others can't short circuit God's plan for you. Once you're able to acknowledge that, you find peace - and stop trying to "make things happen." When God drops a seed into your life it needs time to take root and grow. And you don't have to be concerned with the outcome because when it's planted in a fertile, faith-filled heart, the results are guaranteed.
The hard part is knowing that you're on the verge of a breakthrough, then having God tell you to wait. It's when you think He's forgotten you and every second feels like a lifetime, that your patience gets a workout. David said: "I waited patiently for the Lord...and...He...set my feet on solid ground and [gave] me...a hymn of praise" (Ps 40:1-3 NLT). When you honour God's timing, you always land on solid ground, and end up with a reason to praise Him.
So, when you know you've a mandate from God but He puts you on hold, stay on the line till He gets back to you. It's well worth waiting to get your answer directly from Him. Think about it! Would you dare trust any other answer?
(3) Wait for the Lord's help; be strong. (Psalm 27:14 NRS)
If you're a seasoned air traveller, chances are you're familiar with the term "holding pattern." That's when your plane is unable to land because of unfavourable ground conditions. Generally the pilot announces that he's been told to maintain a holding pattern pending an update from the control tower. It happens regularly, so planes have to carry enough fuel to stay airborne till they can land safely.
The Bible says, "Wait for the Lord; be strong...let your heart take courage." When God puts you in a holding pattern it's not just a question of having enough faith to receive His promise, it's also a matter of having enough "Spiritual staying power" to stay airborne until it comes to pass. That's why you need to carry enough Spiritual fuel to handle delays and wait for clearance.
The Bible refers to the Holy Spirit, "a rushing mighty wind" (Acts 2:2). After God had delayed Noah long enough to accomplish His purpose, "He sent a wind" (Ge 8:1 NIV). Anytime a wind comes from the presence of God it blows away all hindrances and obstacles, it dries the ground under your feet so you can move ahead. It demolishes the spirit of fear and heaviness that makes you want to quit.
David asked God, "What is man that you are mindful of him?" (Ps 8:4 NIV). Even in times of frustration and waiting, God is still thinking about you and working everything out for your good. His delays aren't denials. So, when you sense a divine breeze in your spirit, rejoice, it's a sign that He's clearing you to land and good things are about to happen!
"The Word for Today" ® is copyright © Bob Gass Ministries. Use of this material is governed by its owners and distributors. Please don't break copyright law!
No comments:
Post a Comment