Patience
For if we hope for that we see not, then do with patience wait for it. Romans 8:25
Welcome friends to this week’s blog. Our world teaches us to want and expect results now. For example, we are accustomed to buying and eating food on the go, ordering groceries and other products online then expecting delivery within days. We have become a society of “I want it now.” Therefore, it has become difficult to wait. However, we do wait for the birth of a child, completion of formal training such as medical school or college, and marriage. That said, these events require months or years before we see the end results. Similarly, the Bible foretold, many events which required years to fulfill, for instance, the birth of a promised child in the Old Testament. Genesis chapters 15-18
God promised Abraham, a child. However, Sarah did not understand God’s plan for her life. Thus, Abraham's became extremely impatient; she sent her maid, Hagar, to Abraham in hopes of conceiving a child. The birth of Ishmael resulted from Sarah’s manipulation of the situation. Sarah was an example of many today- I want it now! However, God is not bound by human time. Therefore, he answers us in his time. Since God is the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow, his methods do not change. God delivers promises.
Like Sarah, we believe we know what is best for our lives. As a result, we often make a mess of situations due to pride and unbelief. I am sure Sarah thought God did not hear her prayers. When God does not answer in a timely manner, we, too, may think, God does not hear our prayers or will not answer them. However, God knows our needs and desires. Sarah, unlike many today, knew God existed, yet she still doubted him. She prayed for a child for many years, however, now she was well passed child-bearing age. Sarah doubted God had the power to answer her prayers or make the impossible, possible. Like this situation, many of us have been conditioned to think we know best; therefore, sometimes, we do not have the patience to wait for God to answer our prayers. Patience is a vital component of belief. Patience is so important, there are more than thirty verses in the Bible concerning this virtue. One of the best reminders is this: “God does not always answer when we want, but he is always on time.” Many of us, become impatient and want it now or doubt God’s power to answer prayers. Instead we, like Sarah, try to fix the problem ourselves. However, God used her insecurities for his glory and still blessed her. Fast forward thousands of years later, we desire to be the masters of our ship at times, forgetting God is steering the helm. When we admit we are not in control, we become dependent on God’s grace, mercy, and timing which teaches patience and hope. When Sarah was 90 years old, God delivered the promised child (Isaac) to Abraham and Sarah.
Is any thing too hard for the Lord? Genesis 18:14. The answer is no. He reminds us he delivers on promises. In the second half of this verse, God says: At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time, of life, and Sarah will have a son. God delivered on his promise. I like these verses from the New Testament. They complement the above. “And patience, experience, and experience, hope: Romans 5:4 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. James 1:3 But let patience have per perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire wanting nothing. James 1:4 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 2 Peter 1:6 God never changes, Sarah realized when God promises, he delivers even if it takes years.
I hope this blog is a blessing to all who search for Christ or may have never read the Bible. God’s love is unmatched and will always continue. He is the ruler of all, and he offers salvation- (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), no questions asked when you believe your heart. It is extremely late to accept his offer of salvation when a person dies. God gives grace and mercy each day, therefore each day is another chance to accept his gift. I would love to hear from you. Please email me at mailto:dorothy@savedheartfaith.com or mailto:dburrell38@yahoo.com I hope you have a great week. Please remember to visit YouTube for the shortened companion video to this blog. Thanks for visiting.
