HOPE DIFFER

Hope Deferred....

Waiting on answers seems like a daily routine for most of us.  Life has puzzle pieces which seem to have fallen under the couch somewhere, no where to be found in this lifetime.  Without those pieces, we think the masterpiece cannot be completed.  We can all agree that it is hard to wait.  We think we have needs.  God told Paul to write, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil 4:19.  We think He has forgotten us. We turn on the news and get unnerved with Ebola, beheadings, political issues and just plain old bad news.  Deuteronomy 31:6 says "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."   Joshua 1:9 says, "Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."  I believe we struggle to believe this.  The waiting becomes too much in our flesh.  When we rely on what God says, there is nothing to fear.  But waiting on Him to respond to and do something about the circumstances around us is difficult. 


Sometimes, we don't receive answers because we are separated from God in sin.  Sin separates you from a right relationship with God.  Agreeing with Him about sin in your life can restore the connection, and answers will begin to appear.  Sometimes, we do not receive answers because God is working out something in our lives to make us more like Jesus.  Sometimes, we do not receive answers because we do not know God.  Many people cry out to God for help when they have rejected Jesus in every area of their life.  Many are people who sit in church but have never agreed with God about sin and the need for a Savior.  Some think their salvation is pre-determined and that no action needs to be taken on the part of the sinner to repent.  Some think they are just good enough and have accomplished enough to get God's attention.  Works are only a reflection of the faith planted in Jesus Christ.  Works aside from that faith are nothing to God. 


Are you looking for answers?  There is joy for the child of God who waits on His perfect timing and answer.  "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life" Proverbs 13:12.  God tells us that He is worth the wait.  Be patient.  Don't react in fear and panic which leads to poor judgment and difficult consequences.  His word is true.  He is faithful.  Find rest in Him.  Don't ever give up.