"For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay! "
Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV)
Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV)
Heal me NOW God! That is my daily cry. When I feel He is not listening, I get depressed or at least disappointed in God.
You with me on this or am I alone?
How many times have we asked for "good" things only to feel like we are speaking to a blank wall!
I looked for answers in His word and found many examples of how God uses time to develop character, especially in leaders.
Hmm, I am in good company. He took 80 years to prepare Moses. That includes 40 years in the wilderness where Moses was left wondering, "Where are you God? Now would be good time for deliverance!" But God kept saying, "Hang on, not yet."
Contrary to popular beliefs, there is no "Easy Button" to maturity. Have you noticed that giant redwoods take over a hundred years to become giants; but small mushrooms grow overnight. Short duration, small results. I wish it were different but we need to appreciate His wisdom.
Likewise, great minds are grown/developed through the passage of time. Time full of struggles and seasons of suffering.
So what does that mean to me? I have ALS, I can’t do most of the things I used to do. What about ME?
God simply says, “Be patient with the process." He reminds me to read Laura’s message she posted on Thanksgiving:
http://www.meandals.com/3/post/2012/11/thanksgiving.html
She says many wise things but these two really hit home:
· It is in suffering that our true character is revealed.
· I see how God is using this trial to "polish us" by teaching us things we could never have learned otherwise
James says, "Don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed." (James 1:4, The Message)
Don't get discouraged like Habakkuk who became depressed because he didn't think God was acting quickly enough. God had this to say: "These things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!"
Remember how far you've come, not just how far you have to go.
You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be. <-- (Ooh, that's good!)
God isn't finished with me yet, so I keep moving forward. Likewise, God isn’t done with you either.
God’s delay shouldn’t be misunderstood for his denial.
Jesus sort of says, "Hang on baby, Sunday is coming even though Friday looks bad."
Ok God, I will wait and watch you work!! Today looks bad, but you have big plans for us. Let me sit back and enjoy the ride! Will you get on the rollercoaster with me? Let's scream together and talk about the thrill we share.
Akhil
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