Waiting for God

Psalm 27:14 

14 Wait for the LORD; 
       be strong and take heart 

       and wait for the LORD.

Our culture is an "instant" society. Because of inventions like the computer and the microwave, we're used to quick results. A fast pace isn't necessarily bad, but we should guard against becoming so set on immediate fulfillment that we can't wait for God's timing.

This problem existed long before the computer age. In Genesis 15:4-5, God revealed to Abraham that though he and his wife Sarah were too old to have children, a great nation would come from him. Abraham believed God but soon decided to handle matters himself. He took Sarah's servant Hagar as his wife so she could bear the promised son.

Abraham probably rationalized his decision, figuring the Lord wanted him to have a son. Since it seemed impossible any other way, surely this must be what God wanted him to do! But it wasn't. Abraham had to deal with the consequences of his actions, including jealousy and resentment between Sarah and Hagar. These problems in turn created further difficulties, both in the short term and throughout history.

The Lord was faithful, though. 14 years later, Sarah gave birth to Isaac. But, the consequences of Abraham's decision to step out of God's plan are still with us. The two boys grew to become the fathers of nations which are in conflict to this very day.

Like Abraham, we might believe God's promises but prefer immediate results. Or we may just want things done our way. Instead, ask the Lord to lead you. Then wait for Him. His way may not be what you think you want, but it is always best.

-Dr. Charles Stanley

(Devotional taken from www.Crosswalk.com)

Hold On To His Promises

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature. 2 Peter 1:3-4

What you believe about God is the most important thing about you. It shapes your life. It determines how you deal with good and hard circumstances that come your way and how much victory or defeat you will know.

An important truth about God you need to treasure in your heart is that He is promiser and it’s His nature to fulfill those promises. You can’t read Scripture very long without seeing that revealed through history:

• He promised Noah that He would never again destroy the world by a flood (Genesis 9).
• He promised a plague and enumerable people as descendents to Abraham (Genesis 12).
• He promises to deliver the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 6).

And all that’s just getting started.

God’s promises are the assurances He gives to His people so we can walk by faith while we wait for Him to work.

How we relate to God is determined by what we do with His promises. Do you believe them? Have you learned that when you walk by sight you never win? But when you walk by faith, and believe there will be a day when He will fulfill them, He will never disappoint you. God sees you in this situation you face today. He knows how hard it is to walk by faith. He knows our frame and He remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:14). And He’s not going to leave you wondering what’s going to happen, or uncertain about the future or overcome by fear. He makes promises to you so that you can get through the long nights and the difficult days of waiting. He asks you to hang on to His promises for the long haul.

The hard part of doing that, of course, is the gap between His promise and His fulfillment of that promise. Almost always, His promises are not going to be answered tomorrow or the next day. That’s why He gives us something to hold on to.

And while we wait, God builds our faith. I guarantee you that when you rest in the promises of God, you have a great life. You live more confidently. You believe good things are in store for you. As long as you’re living in doubt and defeat, you’ve got nothing to look forward to. But if you anticipate His blessing, He’s never going to let you down. His reputation is on the line. He’s promised to do some things in your life and when you hold on to what He's promised, you’re going to win in the end.

(Devotion taken from Walk in the Word at http://www.walkintheword.com/WeeklyWalk.aspx)