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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