More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. - Romans 5:3-5
The Christian life would be easy if the space in time was small between when you first believe God's promises and when you receive what He promised. If you could read about it one day and get it the next, Wow - wouldn't that be great!?
But life's not like that.
The hard part is in the waiting between God's promise and His answer; and even harder, when the waiting comes with uncertainties.
Where's this going? Where am I going to end up? What's my future look like?
The reality is, we just don't know how circumstances will play out and it's this not-knowing that crushes us. We doubt because we don't know. We worry and despair because we don't know. We falter and sometimes fail - all because we don't know. If only we knew how this trial was going to end, we would be okay. But we don't.
We all have areas of uncertainty where we need to hold tightly onto what God has said while we wait for Him to work. I couldn't go forward another day if I didn't believe what He told me. So here's what we each must do: We must review His promises all the time. We must remind ourselves that our faith is in God and not in what He does for us. He knows what He has promised, He can't lie, and He can't forget. He will deliver on time, all the time. Who else can make promises like that?
God knows that it's hard for us to walk by faith. So He assures us, I'm not going to leave you wondering what I'm going to do. I don't want you to be overcome by fear. So I'm going to make some promises to you so that you can get through the difficult days. You don't have to take your view of life only from what you can see happening right in front of you. You're not imprisoned by the crazy talk someone is putting into your head that you know isn't true. Hang onto the things that I told you.
And while we wait, God builds our faith.
by: James McDonald
Have a blessed Tuesday!
Cheryl
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5 comments:
Cheryl---you are right. He is on time...all the time. Hanging on.
I loved this post---it really spoke to a place in my heart that I've been dealing with lately. I have found myself wondering about and seeking the "direction" more than the Director. He changes my focus....and I can then go on.
I have had you on my heart and mind. Hope you are well. Catch me up on your family.
I love you dearly!
"The hard part is in the waiting between God's promise and His answer; and even harder, when the waiting comes with uncertainties."
Such truth! I pray for faith to trust Him fully in the waiting, in the uncertainties of life. To keep my eyes on Christ, not the situations and circumstances around me.
Like Angie, I too have had you on my heart and mind. I too am praying all is well. Let me know as time permits.
Much love,
Tracy
So true, the waiting is the hard part. I think also, the abiding is hard. Abiding in the spirit and not taking control.
Thanks for a great post!
God Bless you Cheryl
I love that last line! Great post, Cheryl. James MacDonald is great, isn't he?
Wow. When I saw your blog updated on my sidebar's bloglist, I jumped immediately over here. The title of your post, tugs at my heart. I know this subject all too well. I've been waiting 18 months for God's Mighty Hand to move in my life, marriage, heart, and trial. I can't say that He's spoken a specific promise to me, Paula, but I know His promises in general from His Word. I struggle with clearly knowing if His promise is what I believe I've heard from Him. I think maybe He's answered and confirmed His promise but I'm not recognizing. Or maybe I need a big neon say that says "Yes, Paula this is what I said and promise to do..."
Thanks for sharing this.
I don't always comment on your blog but I do follow you.
Sweet blessings,
Paula
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