There’s often a space of time between the moment God speaks a promise to His child and the moment He fulfills that promise. What we do in the waiting proves our faith — or lack thereof.
flickr photo credit: Julian Lim
God spoke a very personal promise to me a number of years ago. But days turned to months which turned to years and the promise still hung in the abyss-of-tomorrow. So I found myself doubting. I doubted whether I had truly heard Him. I doubted whether He would actually come through. And in the doubting I grew complacent to His miraculous touch. And I’m certain that it grieved Him.
Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
God convicted me of my doubt. As a faithful Father He opened my eyes to my unbelief. And I broke before Him. As I confessed, He cleansed me. And then with deep conviction, I declared His promise yet again.
We cannot obtain the promises of God unless we believe Him, regardless of what we may see in our today. (Hebrews 11:33) He who promised is both able and willing to bring it to pass.
When we’re faced with that season of waiting, joy stirs in our souls as we choose to set our minds on what’s to come. As we choose to say with conviction, “I don’t know how. I don’t know when. But my God will faithfully come through.”
What promise of God are you standing on today?
Wow! I needed to read this. My husband and I have been trying for a long time now to have another baby, as God’s Word promises to make me a happy woman of children and my husband will be a happy man whose quiver is full of children. I have become so disappointed and even started to doubt it would happen again – this was a GREAT reminder! Thank you for sharing.
Rebekah, Keep on sister-friend. Believe the promise He has given you to believe. He is greater than any statistic and continues to do the impossible. Blessings to you as you wait believing!
thanks so much for this word today. i really needed it!
Your words blessed me. Thank You so much!
Believing with you Lara. . .
Lara, Once again, timely message. Thank you for being used. Lots of love and blessings to you!
In a Bible Study I led a few years ago on prayer, the group of ladies likened God’s answering prayer to being at the drive through window of McDonald’s. You place your order at the speaker, pull up and pay and pull up and wait, watching that ticking digital clock. Not until your order is completely fulfilled does the window open, the clock stop, and you receive your order. I believe that this analogy holds for God’s promises to His children also. The clock is always right, no matter how much time ticks off, and the ticking clock doesn’t have anything to do with whether or not your order is being prepared. So God’s promises are being put into motion behind that glass window and we don’t see everything that is happening; He is still working though!
Thanks Lara for the reminder!
A promise I’m clinging to right now is:
“I will never fail you.
I will never abandon you.” ~ Hebrews 13:5
Thank you for your inspiring words, sweet sister-friend…
Merry Christmas!
Thank you Lara. I needed that. I have been waiting for 2 1/2 years for a promise of restoration. I have doubted and other people have started to think I need a reality check. But I know I heard the Lord say, “I have already answered your prayer.” He shows me signs every day while I wait. I have my hope and faith in my God because with Him “all things are possible.” Jesus said so. God bless you and your family.