Monday, November 24, 2008

Waiting

I'm sure one of the hardest things we ever have to do is to wait. It seems like we have to wait for everything! When we were kids, we waited to grow up. We wait for good jobs, husbands, children, everything. Someone said that good things are worth waiting for. God must agree, because He expects us to wait on Him, too.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 27:14

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Psalm 37:7

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. Psalm 62:5

God most certainly does not get in a hurry to do things when we think He should. But, He always does them at the right time. Next time you find yourself in the position of waiting for the Lord to do something, and you feel your patience getting thin, read these verses again.

Another thing to remember is this: becoming a mature Christian means not acting like a baby any more. What does a small child do when they don't get what they want NOW? Until they've been taught otherwise, they cry and pitch a little fit. As they get older, they learn to wait for what they want, hopefully. As Christians, we must do the same. We can't be spiritual brats and get pouty when God doesn't give us what we want, when we want it. If what we're asking for is acceptable to God, and according to His will, He'll give it to us. When it's His own good time.

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. I John 5:14-15

The key to that is "according to His will". Sometimes, God's answer is "No".

If you're waiting on the Lord, be encouraged and let Him strengthen your heart. Rest in Him and wait patiently.

Monday, November 3, 2008

No Matter What...

This morning I've been catching up with people on MySpace and a forum I visit regularly, and the main topic of conversation is tomorrow's Presidential election.

I'm sad for my young friends who are just starting out in their adult lives and are already experiencing things like losing a job because their store is closing, and trying to make enough money to buy gas, pay rent, and still be able to eat. I wish things were more certain for them.

Sometimes when we listen to the news and the commentators, it seems like there is not much hope left for our Country. A lot will depend on the results of tomorrow's election.

But, no matter who wins, keep this one thought in mind. The Lord God Almighty, the Creator of the universe, is firmly in control of all that happens. No one will be pulling a surprise on Him.

Let the following passages of Scripture give you hope and comfort.

By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. Proverbs 8:15-16

It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:22-26

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:19-20

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19.