I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:13,14
This is a continuation of the faith series. Faith, of course, is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. This is the biblical definition of faith. However, faith is also expressed in how well we wait. Think about it.
Abraham - while cited as being an example of faith - failed because he didn't wait well. God had promised Abraham a son - Isaac, but in his impatience - he (not God) produced Ishmael. Thank God the story doesn't end with Ishmael! Abraham ultimately received his promised son - Isaac, but in the meantime, he had to deal with what his impatience produced - Ishmael.
How many Ishmaels do we produce in our lives because we refuse to wait patiently for God? Time or space won't allow me to recount. Seeing the fruit of my labor (or impatience) has taught me to 'wait' on the Lord and trust that I will see His promises performed in my life. Time is winding up and I realize that I don't have time to nurse anymore Ishmaels in my life.
Don't forfeit or delay the blessing of the Lord because you refuse to wait. Know that God is faithful, and he will perform that which He promises.
I encourage you this week to wait patiently on the Lord for the things that He has promised. Don't lose heart, because every promise, vision, blessing, deliverance, healing (you name it) is for an appointed time.
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