Round Up the Kids, Lets Build That Ark!

 

 

"You want me to do what?" I can only imagine what Noah must have thought when God asked, no, told him that he would build an Ark and load it up with animals of every species two by two. Yet he did what he was told because he was completely obedient to almighty God.

Noah was a father, a friend, a brother, a son. Consider the ridicule he must have faced. After all, he was preparing for something no one had ever seen or even heard about. Furthermore, he possessed the knowledge of knowing that his entire extended family and all of his friends for that matter (we are talking the entire human race) would be wiped out by his radical act of obedience to God. I don't know about you but I question whether I could do such a thing. I probably would have fought off God with the hope that He in His infinite mercy would forget about it or change His mind. The problem is, God is true to His word and never forgets.

How many times has someone asked you to do something and you dragged your feet at the suggestion? Perhaps your boss has assigned you a project that will potentially cause short term damage to your company but have long term benefits. Maybe your wife has decided that the best thing for your marriage is to move into the house beside her parents to dig your way out of debt. It seems like a wonderful idea until you realize your in-laws can't seem to remember your name. Either way, the potential for being persecuted for your obedience is monumental. But, and there is always a but, you inevitably come to the crossroads of right and wrong. And if you truly love God, your creator, you gulp hard and accept your fate.

Most of us have fought what seemed like crazy notions even though we knew it was the right thing to do. Noah wasn't any different. Even though it is not documented anywhere in Scripture, you have to believe that somewhere, deep inside his soul, this righteous, blameless man who followed God's will to perfection must have been torn by what he wanted and what the Lord needed. Sometimes the chasm between the two is far reaching and enormous. Yet, in the end we find that Noah accepted his fate because he truly believed in his heart that God's thoughts were far higher than his.

In Isaiah 55:8-9, the Old Testament prophet writes, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."

Based on this passage of Scripture Noah's decision must have been an easy one: round up the kids and build that Ark! God's ways, higher and holier than human understanding, are only visible through eyes of faith. Even though these "take action" nudges God sometimes gives us seem undeniably mysterious, we must remember they go forth to accomplish His ways. He tugs at our souls until we obey. Doing so ultimately opens up our world to new beauty, freshness, and hope.*

Then why isn't it simple to respect God for His authority? The old Nike marketing slogan "Just Do It" comes to mind. Despite our best intentions, in our human frailty we bumble and stumble around, desperately seeking to respond to His calling by our own methods.

Why can't we be more like Noah? Why don't we just obey God without fear?

The answer is really quite simple. Obeying God is more than a choice of convenience. I Kings 2:3 makes this very clear:

"And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn."

I don't know about you but I like to prosper in all that I do. As God's children, we are to listen to Him, following and obeying all that He teaches us so we may not grieve His spirit. When we hear from God we must obey, translating his directives into action. God promises us success in all that we do, wherever we turn, when we follow His instructions and delight in doing His will.*

God may never ask you to construct an Ark or gather every animal on the planet two by two. But He may request you do something out of your comfort zone – missionary work, witnessing to a complete stranger, even helping someone you loathe. And when He does what will you say? I hope the answer is an emphatic yes!

CBN.com by Christ Carpenter © 2007. All rights reserved. (Please include this line to forward the message).

The Trial of Your Faith (Part 7)

 

Eternal Purposes

Trials are not games. They have ETERNAL purposes. That is why we must learn to seek first the kingdom of God – for that is eternal. As long as we limit the purpose of trials to something in our lives now, rather than something eternal, we are going to miss the boat. We will never be on the same page as God.

 

Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom – seek first God's purpose IN YOU – and everything else will be taken care of, and fall into place, as God's plan for you will allow." This establishes God's priority for us, and until this becomes our priority, we are going to be working at odds with God. Part of the trial of faith is to adjust us over to this purpose.

 

When you die, all that God will take is the REAL person you are – and that will be defined only by your relationship to Him. Thus, faith, which speaks directly to who we are in relationship to God, is an ETERNAL characteristic. Our faith is only a seed of something eternally greater.

 

Trials will all pass away into history. But what we BECOME through those trials will be eternal. These are the stakes involved – eternal stakes. It is therefore terrifying that so few Christian are taught these Truths.

 

God is Faithful

The irony of the trial of faith is that God uses that which seems to contradict Himself to prove that He is faithful. The more our faith is questioned and ridiculed, the stronger it becomes, if we will stand by faith. And the greatest surprise of all is that even before we are delivered from our trial, we have the victory. Nothing of contradiction is able to move us.

 

God will indeed be proven faithful, even before He delivers us. How? He will be proven faithful IN US. God wants to bring us to the place where, despite the fact that circumstances have NOT changed, that WE HAVE CHANGED. There may continue to be nothing to, "prove," to us that God is faithful. But the proof is in us. Our faith is the evidence and substance of the faithfulness of God.

 

There is no victory in Jesus Christ except through the working out in us of His death and resurrection. If you want to live by faith, then you can no longer live by your understanding, your emotions, or by faith in anything but God. These must go the way of the Cross. Then, all will become based in Truth.

 

Excerpted from : THE TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH by David A. DePra at THE GOOD NEWS  © 1998-2005. All rights reserved. (Please include this line to forward the message).

Seeing a Greater Purpose in Adversity

Paul and Silas had just been thrown into prison. An earthquake erupted and the jail cell was opened. It's Paul and Silas' opportunity. "Deliverance! Praise God!" might be the appropriate response. But this is not what Paul and Silas did. In fact, rather than leave, they sat quietly in their cell area. The guard, in fear of his life, knew that it would be automatic death if prisoners escaped. Paul and Silas did not leave because they saw a higher purpose for which they were in prison. They were not looking at their circumstance; they were much more concerned about the unsaved guard. The story goes on to explain how Paul and Silas went home with the guard and his family. Not only did the guard get saved, but his entire household as well.

What a lesson this is for us. How often we are so busy looking for deliverance from our circumstance that we miss God completely. God is looking to do miracles in our circumstances if we will only look for them. Sometimes as workplace believers we become so obsessed with our goals we miss the process that God involves us in, which may be where the miracle lies. What if that bill collector who has been hounding you is unsaved and he is there for you to speak to? What if a problem account has arisen due to something God is doing beyond what you might see at this time? Our adverse situations can often be the door of spiritual opportunity for those who need it.

I saw this personally when God allowed me to go through a number of adversities. It took some time, but I saw some great miracles as a result of those adversities. When God said that "all things work together for good for those who are called according to His purposes" (see Rom. 8:28), He meant all things. It is up to us to find the "work together for good" part by being faithful to the process. In the next adversity you face, tune your spiritual antennae and ask God for discernment to see the real purpose for the adversity.

 

TODAY GOD IS FIRST by Os Hillman © 2001 - 2007. All rights reserved. Click here for personal prayer and counsel. (Please include this line to forward the message).

Finish the race - Keep the faith

 

...but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14 NLT

Closing out well is critical as a follower of Christ. Sadly that is not a given. Many great men of the Bible did not finish well. They allowed the efforts of many around them to end in frustration and anguish because they did not close well. The honest portrayal of human success and failing is something I love about God's Word. It is one important aspect that makes the Bible unique and real. The Bible does not spin the failures of godly men and women. Would you write a book attempting to persuade others to your beliefs and choose to have it detail many adherents who failed miserably? With all due respect to Mr.O'Reilly, the Bible is the original "no spin zone". The successes and failures are equally displayed. Men with great stories still managed to not close well. Examples? How about the story of Saul? How sad to hear words like this at the end of your journey:

"How foolish!" Samuel exclaimed. "You have disobeyed the command of the LORD your God. Had you obeyed, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your dynasty must end, for the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart. The LORD has already chosen him to be king over his people, for you have not obeyed the LORD's command." (1 Sam 13 NLT)

Imagine when the prophet came to Eli and proclaimed this dire message. What a kick in the spiritual gut this must have been:

 

"Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, says: The terrible things you are doing cannot continue! I had promised that your branch of the tribe of Levi would always be my priests. But I will honor only those who honor me, and I will despise those who despise me.

 

I would be willing to wager that Saul and Eli were planning on closing well. They had moments of great leadership and fellowship with God. But they couldn't close. You know that Saul's story ended in madness. The results for Levi's sons were horrific. His family needed a man who could start well, stay strong, and close it out with integrity and faith.

 

I want to finish strong like my Mom. I want to close this journey with an effort that honors the One who was willing to finish for me. Paul understood athletics. Sports can be a good metaphor for life and he knew that well. At the end of my life race I have a couple of options that I could hear:

A) You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. (Gal 5)

B) You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. (Paraphrase of 2 Tim 4)

 

I choose B) for the words I want to hear. Author Kenneth Blanchard says, There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.

 

That is why I hold myself so accountable. I am committed to this journey with Jesus. And I accept no excuses in my own life. I will fall at times. But I intend to get right back up and follow Jesus faithfully.

 

Songwriter Mark Schultz is a brilliant writer/composer/storyteller. His song Time That is Left is rumbling through my mind as I sign off:

What will you do with the time that's left?

Will you live it all with no regret?

Will they say that you loved till your final breath?

What will you do with the time that's left?

 

And what will He say when your time has come?

And He takes you into His arms of love

With tears in His your eyes will He say "well done"?

What will you say when your time has come?

Excerpted from: FINISHING STRONG by Dave Burchett (article for Jan 11th, 2007)

CONFESSIONS OF A BAD CHRISTIAN © 2007. All rights reserved. (Please include this line to forward the message).

Are you discouraged about your future?

 

The enemy still uses discouragement as a tool, and he uses it on each of us day in and day out. Because discouragement often comes from pessimism about how things will turn out, one of the best ways to overcome it is to get God's perspective of our future. In order to do that, we have to let go of two myths.

The first myth about the future is that our situation will always be this way.

If your job has always been terrible, you'll eventually embrace the myth that it always will be. Same goes for a marriage, a home, parents, children, or whatever else you struggle with. Discouragement interprets the past and present as an unbreakable pattern, which leads to more discouragement. If we want to see life from God's perspective, we have to reject that myth.

The second myth about the future is that when we make a change for the better, we expect things to start improving almost immediately.

Many people find themselves in an overwhelmingly difficult situation and begin praying, going to church, studying the Bible, and overhauling their lifestyle as a result. And when they've stuck with it for a week, a month, or even a year, and nothing seems to be getting any better, they feel like they've gotten a raw deal. Never mind that they've been sowing bad seed into a career or a family situation for twenty years. Most of us feel that if we've made the right changes, we ought to see the right consequences happen pretty soon. And while God mercifully works that way sometimes, He doesn't always. Sometimes the fruit of our obedience takes a long time to grow.

God's perspective on our future is this: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him (James 1:12). That's a great promise. It encourages us that things will change; whatever we feel stuck in now isn't permanent.

But this promise also reminds us that change requires perseverance. It doesn't usually happen overnight. God honors loving obedience and faith that can stick it out over time. And the reward for enduring is a crown of life.

God promises deep fulfillment and rich joy beyond your wildest dreams. When you come through your trials, you begin to experience it. That's why, if you've ever met a gentle, loving, wise person who radiates the love of Jesus, I can almost guarantee that he or she has suffered deeply. The way God produces that kind of person is through adversity. They don't give up, the life of Christ begins to manifest through them, and they have an inner joy and fulfillment from God that can't be touched by circumstances now and that is greatly magnified in heaven.

Are you looking at your future through the lens of whatever problems you face today? Or do you see it through the certainty of God's promise? Don't give up and don't give in. God says you will receive a reward when the test is finished. You'll get a fulfilling life on this earth in communion with Him, and you'll receive an eternal heavenly crown. And discouragement will be an old, worn-out tool never to be used on you again.

 

WALK THRU THE BIBLE by Chip Ingram © 2006. All rights reserved. (Please include this line to forward the message).

When Your Heart Hurts

This has been a couple of tough weeks for my family and me! First my father was rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night in a coma with very erratic life signs. He is still in a coma (10 days now) and on a respirator with lots of intravenous tubes. The family is spending lots of time in the hospital setting, watching and waiting. Five days ago, my mother had to see her doctor because of chest pains, but thankfully it was determined it was the result of stress; medication should ease the problem.

Yesterday, I received a call from our oldest son telling me he had just lost his job due to "company restructuring." It doesn't matter that "they hated to let him go," they still did. So house payments and other expenses suddenly seem more daunting than before. I talked to a friend this weekend and he asked, "So, how are you doing?" My response was, "Not so good right now. It seems like we are on an emotional 'see saw' just going up and down."

I know mentally that "this too shall pass" and that with God's help things will eventually get better. I also know that this is something that many of you have gone through yourselves. The cards, letters, and phone calls have been a real blessing. Emotionally though, sometimes my heart hurts.

My heart hurts not just for myself, but for my dad and my mom who have been together for almost 60 years. It hurts for my sister, brother, brother-in-law, and all of the nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren that also wait and watch. But, I think I hurt most because I have trouble letting go and letting God handle things, even though intellectually I know that he can.

This morning in my devotional reading, I was reading Psalms 118. After I read that wonderful proclamation of God's love and power, I felt refreshed in my spirit. The Psalm was written in praise of God for delivering the Israelite nation from Babylonian captivity. The writer has a theme to his message found in these words: "You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever" (Psalm 118:28-29 NIV).

Even if we lose jobs or even if death visits us, "He is good and his love endures forever." God has promised us that everything will work out to the good (Romans 8:28), even if we can't see it right now. So I ask you along with asking myself, "Do you really believe God's word?"

I'm not afraid of death, whether it be my father's or my own. I love Paul's simple, yet meaningful quote of an Old Testament description of heaven shared with the Corinthians: But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1 Corinthians 2:9).

I love that description and promise! This is especially true because we get a glimpse of these great blessings because of God's Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10).

What it all boils down to is that I truly hate the empty place that makes your heart hurt when you think about the separation, even temporarily, from one you love. I hate the sinking feeling that you get when the boss says, "Sorry, but you've been downsized." The bottom line is that I hate the uncertainty that Satan tries to shove into that empty place that says, "You can't rely upon anything or anyone in this life." That's really what happens, isn't it? Whenever there is an empty spot in our lives, Satan jumps in to fill it with his lies!

There is an old hymn that goes something like this:
Into my heart, Into my heart, Come into my heart Lord Jesus, Come in today, Come in to stay, Come into my heart Lord Jesus. That is what I want! I want Jesus there today and to stay!

My prayer is that no matter what happens in this life, even when my heart hurts, that I can fill my heart with Jesus. When I can do that, I know that the hurt will be lessened and I will be reminded that all of this hurt is only temporary. I join the psalmist in saying, "You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever!"

MESSAGES FROM THE HEART by Russ Lawson © 2006. All rights reserved. (Please include this line to forward).

Why is God silent at times?

What do you do when heaven is silent? What do you do when you cry out to God and there is no answer, or at least you can't hear it?

This happened to David. He kept crying out to God, "Do not keep silent, O God of my praise!" (v.1). David was being attacked by the wicked a frequent occurrence in his life. You must remember that when he prayed these prayers of judgment (v.13), he was not seeking personal revenge. No, he was praying as God's king over Israel. David wanted to see the wicked judged because they were attacking the people of God, the ones from whom God's Word and His Son would come.

Why is God silent at times?

(1) It may be because we aren't listening or we don't want to listen.

Evangelist Billy Sunday used to say that a sinner can't find God for the same reason a criminal can't find a policeman, he's not looking. Sin makes us turn a deaf ear to God. When Adam and Eve heard the voice of God in the Garden of Eden, they ran and hid. Children often do that when they disobey.

(2) Because we aren't ready for the message.

He wants to talk to us about something, but we aren't ready. We have to go through refining trials to make us ready to listen.

(3) Because He knows we aren't willing to obey.

He is always ready to show us His will, but He shows His will only to those who really want to do it. Jesus said in John 7:17, "If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine." Obedient people always hear the voice of God.

(4) Finally, sometimes God is silent that He might test us.

To teach us the importance of silence, the importance of waiting on Him. Waiting helps remind us of God's sovereignty. The silence of God is one of the difficult tests of faith.

What should you do when He is silent? Remember His faithfulness and past blessings. Live today on what He has already told you. Trust Him and wait. You will hear the voice of God again.

BACK TO THE BIBLE by Warren Wiersbe © 1996-2006. All rights reserved. (Please include this line to forward).

When God Puts You On Hold

(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.

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.

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!

Unanswered prayers left you feeling forgotten?

"…so whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you." - John 15:16

Have unanswered prayers left you feeling unloved or forgotten? What are the things that occupy most (if not all) of your prayer? What is that one prayer request that you bring to the Lord most often? Perhaps it's about a relationship (or it's the request for a relationship). Maybe it's about the future. Maybe it's associated with the past, a past hurt or struggle. Maybe it's just a prayer to get through the present, which seems to be dragging on. Only you and God know what it is…that deep, dark longing within your heart that occupies all of your time and energy. Do you feel like God has answered that prayer?

Probably not because if you felt like He answered it already, you most likely wouldn't still be praying about it with such fervency or redundancy. The reality is that there are many prayers we offer that we often feel go unanswered. That "lack of response" is usually seen as God punishing us, or not being present to us or, simply, not caring. But before we go there, let me ask you one more question. Does your prayer request lead you closer to Christ and, ultimately, to Heaven?

If so, give God time, He might have an alternate way of getting you there. If not, ask yourself another question, "Do you really expect God (who wants to have you close to Him and, eventually, home in Heaven with Him) to answer a prayer that would lead you away from Him?"

I used to get annoyed because I would ask God for things in prayer and I'd always invoke Jesus' name in the prayer, but nada. I did what this verse said. I said Jesus' name and…still, God didn't answer me. Then I learned what "asking in Jesus' name" really meant. The Name of Jesus is sacred, because it is the very name and essence of God. How sacred? Read Philippians 2:10 and Exodus 3:14.

The Name of God (Jesus) is holy. To invoke the name of Christ means that you are asking God for something as Jesus did, Himself. It's more than "using someone else's name" when trying to get a discount or trying to get into a private party. You are putting on Christ, taking on His very essence, which means that you abandon your wants to the will of God that requires total humility and trust.

Jesus lived a life that put God's will ahead of his own in all things. At no point do we see this more clearly or beautifully than in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39).

To ask God for something in Jesus' name means, very simply, to want God's will to be done more than you want your wishes to be granted. It means trusting that if what you or I "want" is not what will ultimately lead us closer to God or be best for our soul, that God precisely because He loves us won't answer that prayer…and that's a good thing.

Tonight, rather than rattling through a long list of intentions that God already knows (and probably expects) from you. How about something different? How about just uttering, proclaiming and praising the name above all other names, Jesus. Just repeat His name over and over again. Let that be your prayer this night. In fact, let that be your prayer anytime, trusting that God knows the longings of your heart and will act in accordance with His will and His hopes and design for you.

That is the easiest way to insure that your prayers are always answered – make your prayers about what God wants for you, not what you want from Him. And if it's been a while since you prayed, that's okay, just start…"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…"

 

Unanswered prayers left you feeling forgotten? by Mark Hart at lifeteen.com

Growing Impatient? Tired of Waiting?

Pharaoh told Moses and the Children of Israel to go, leave Egypt (Ex 10:24); then three verses later (v27) we read that God hardened Pharaoh's heart and he would not let them leave! Why the divine delay? It's often said, 'God's delays are not necessarily his denials.' Delays are often, not always, God's doing.

There are at least two reasons:
1. We aren't ready for the next assignment (Ex 13:17-18). Sometimes there are things we must do to become ready. Sometimes there is a work God must do in us to make us ready.

Patience is a virtue. "Longsuffering," a fruit of the Spirit (a characteristic of Christ's nature), is a gift he develops in us, not a gift he gives us. How is it developed? It's developed in our suffering long. Don't misunderstand. We don't "earn it" by suffering. We "learn it" through suffering. In our distress God enlarges us (matures us) (see Psa 4:1). Christ in us (which is salvation) is "the hope of glory." It's the prospect of our bringing glory to God (Col 1:27). But there is more to bringing him glory than having Christ in us. Christ "formed in us" is the fulfillment of that prospect. As Christ is formed in us, God is actually glorified (Gal 4:19)! God's goal is for us to become more like Jesus than we are like ourselves. Our waiting hasn't been wasted! It's part of God's overall process of preparing us for our destiny!"

2. The assignment, location, or people involved with the task aren't ready. There may be things they must do, or a work God must perform in them to make them ready.
Get ahold of these truths. Begin to pray, thanking God (Phil 4:6-7) for preparing you, others involved in this issue, and circumstances and things that will be required for your success. Trust him. Today, as I write this, I'm enjoying a season of blessing. But it wasn't that long ago that Alice and I wondered if we had offended God. It seemed we had waited so long and had so little to show for it. Sure, our needs were met, but that was it. We knew ways to "make things happen," but God wouldn't let us. Behind the scenes he was busy at work on us and our circumstances setting the stage for our "next performance."

If you're in a season of lack, a time of waiting, I promise you, it really is darkest before the dawn. You are nearing the launch of the "greater thing" you were born to do. And, it won't be what anyone else has done. It's a hand-picked assignment for you. Never emulate others. It is a work of the flesh, an expression of faithlessness.

It's the sin of questioning God's creative wisdom and and his plan for us. You are "an original." Be bold. Be an original. It pleases God. He is going to respond to you VERY soon. And his response is going to be "exceedingly, above, all that you can ask or think!"

Stay plugged in. Polish your glass and hold it high. He's about to fill it. And, he's saved the best wine for last!

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Growing Impatient? Tired of Waiting? (c) Copyright 2006 written by Eddie Smith. Please visit his and Alice's books website at: www.PrayerBookstore.com Their FREE 52-week School of Prayer is at: www.TeachMeToPray.com Postings are by inspiration, not perspiration. Feel free to check back from time to time.