Modern inventions
and convenience have made life so efficient that we like everything instant.
Waiting is not something we enjoy, yet it is a big part of our life. Patience
is still a virtue.
How we wait is vital to how long we
have to wait. When we learn to
wait with a good attitude, it becomes more tolerable. Waiting on God’s timing
is vital to our growth and victory. The scripture says, “For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us
grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is
right” (Psalm 84:11 NLT). When we learn to trust
that God is not holding back any blessing for us then we’ll live a more joyful life.
Have you ever noticed the words on the
passenger side of the mirror? It says, “Objects
on the mirror are closer than they appear.” Life is often like the words in
the mirror. We get tired of waiting for our promise but God is saying, “Hold on to my promise; answer to your
prayer is closer than they appear.” When a tough season seems to last
forever, look in the mirror and remind yourself, “My victory is closer than they appear. I’m not going to give up now.”
We can learn from the children of Israel. The Promised Land was only few days journey. God was
leading them. They started off with great joy and excitement. But somewhere
along the way they became victims of doubt and discouragement. Instead of trusting
God, they became fainthearted. Soon they began to murmur and complain. It
wasn’t that they were lost but discouragement set in and a short distance turned
into an epic journey! We must learn to wait patiently for God’s goodness.
You may have been
waiting for God to move for a long time. It may be a health issue. You may be
looking for a job. Perhaps it’s a legal situation. Others of you are concerned
for your loved ones to be saved. In business, you’re waiting for the sales deal
to close and the commission to come in. We all are waiting with different
expectations. I have good news for you. Your
answer is on its way! If the Lord were to move aside the curtains, you’ll
know that your answer is closer than they appear. Some of you are only days, weeks and months away from your
breakthrough. When it happens, everything will change! If you knew the
appointed time of your miracle, would you give up now? How about a week or a
month or even year?
God has a set time for your miracle. It won’t be one second late. Just
because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean God is not working. There’s a story
in the Bible where a high ranking army officer named Naaman was struck with
leprosy. It was the scourge of the society then. A young Israeli maid told the commander’s
wife that there was a prophet in Israel who has a cure for the dreaded disease.
When Naaman met Prophet Elisha, he sent him to dip in the river Jordon for
seven times. This was an insult for Naaman. He threw a huge fit. He said, “Why should I listen to this Prophet that I
do not know? Is there not a cleaner river in my own country?” Finally,
Naaman’s servants spoke some sense into him. I can imagine Naaman’s skepticism
growing with every dip. Thank God, he didn’t quit. After the seventh time
Naaman came out with brand new skin like a young boy! God kept His Word and
performed a great miracle! (2 Kings 5:1-19).
What about your
faith? Do you believe or do you doubt? Are
you ready to forfeit your reward for which you’ve stood strong for so long? The
answer to your prayer is closer than you think. Don’t be short sighted. Friend, you’ve come too
far to turn around now. Hang in there. Wait with expectation from the Lord.
With every passing day, remind yourself, “I’m
one day closer to my victory!” God is working. Your breakthrough is closer
than you think.
“We do not want you to
become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what
has been promised” (Hebrews
6:12 NIV).
Click Here to Spread the Message of Hope: www.buildinternational.org
It was good to see you again and to see that your work is continuing to spread. I enjoyed this encouraging post to not give up or get discouraged. I need that when I feel like I am going in circles. Sometimes I think we only think God answers when He says 'yes'. It is a very wise and mature Christian that knows God's answer may be 'no' or 'not yet', also. Those two are much harder to accept, but still answers from God. He knows best! Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteErin McEndree