LEARN TO WAIT

“Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.” ~ Romans 4:20 (NLT)

REFERENCE:

Romans 4:16-21

Waiting for something we anticipate can be mentally demanding, discouraging, and overwhelming. Since you have no control over the variables that determine the fulfillment of your expectations, you have to wait on God. Waiting takes faith and total dependence on God’s integrity. Abraham, although desperately needed an heir, waited on God until the heir came.

Abraham waited on God for 25 years, holding on only to what God had said. All the facts contradict God’s words, yet he waited until he inherited the promise. We can learn to wait by taking a close look at Abraham’s approach to waiting:

1. Have Faith in God – Abraham had faith that God would do what He promised. He believed that God could give life to the dead and call the things that are not as though they exist. He could not imagine that Almighty God would say something He could not do. Ask yourself, ‘Can God do what I expect Him to do?’ Let that assure your heart.

2. Stay with the Word – Abraham did not second-guess God. He did not think God’s word would fail. He must have drawn encouragement from God’s past faithfulness. Hold on to God’s word; confess and declare it over yourself. Abraham became the father of many nations according to God’s word. If you don’t quit, you will become what God has spoken over you.

3. Ignore Contrary Facts – Abraham did not consider (or draw conclusions from) his body, already dead (99 years old), and the ‘deadness’ of Sarah’s womb. He must have had various ideas and suggestions from people, but he disregarded them. Look away from everything that speaks or looks contrary to what you are waiting for; ignore them.

4. Maintain an Attitude of Praise and Thanksgiving – Abraham praised God for who He is, His power and faithfulness, etc. Stop complaining or comparing yourself to others. Don’t dwell on what you are waiting for but what you should do in the wait – be full of thanksgiving and praise. They strengthen your faith and take your focus off the wait.

Any large tree you see is a product of waiting! When you endure to the end, you will get the best that only God can give you! Job said, “I will wait till my change comes.” Learn to wait.

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