Sometimes God's Promises Take Time

Yesterday was a tough day. Sometimes I feel so inadequate for the task God's called me to. Sometimes I feel so small in comparisons to the vision God has invited me to steward over. As I prayed, and waited to hear from God and be replenished by His presence, He reminded me of a blog I wrote a couple of years ago.

Today, I felt impressed to re-post it; I hope you are encouraged.

In Genesis chapter 6, verses twelve through fifteen, we read that God told Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. This is how you are to build it:" (NIV)

Then, ten short verses later, Noah and His family enter the arc.

Seems nice, short, and sweet, doesn't it?

God says build a boat; He gives Noah specific instructions; Noah builds it exactly like God says to...and boom, Noah loads the boat with his family...right?

Well...not likely.

I think about life during those 10 verses...the sneers...the jabs...the scoffing from neighbors. I wonder the private agony Noah experienced ...What is a flood? How am I ever going to get this built? I am so tired. What if the rain doesn't come? Am I really hearing God?

Not sure how old Noah was when He began building the arc; but, Scripture says, He was 600 years old when the flood waters came!

WOW! I wonder how many years he spent building a boat, waiting, in expectation, for God's promise. They didn't have a Lowes or Wal-Mart to run down to. Supplies didn't come in pre-shaped lumber. NO screw guns or nail guns to quicken the pace...Just a lot of work...a lot of time...and a lot of sneers and skepticism from bystanders.

Friends, sometimes, the fruition of God's promises take time. Sometimes, we have a lot of work awaiting us. Sometimes, we have to carefully follow God's specific instructions before we see the first drop of rain. BUT...like Noah...our obedience will pay off.

Today, I want to encourage you to ignore the scoffing...demolish any self-defeating thoughts...pay careful attention to do everything God has commanded you to do...because the rain is sure to come!

God promises in Gen 28:15, "I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go...I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." (NIV)

So don't give up..."IT LOOKS LIKE RAIN!"  :)

PRAYER: Father, assure us that we are hearing Your voice. Help us to understand Your specific instructions. Fill our spirit with expectation as we await for Your promises. We put our trust in YOU. Let Your favor be upon us. Do exceedingly above all we could ever ask, think, or imagine. In Jesus name, we pray, amen!