I have decided to start blogging. I really enjoy writing and I believe that God has called me to write. My goal to encourage and let you know that God has great plans for you. Sometimes it seems that His plans are taking a long time to come to pass. My prayer is that you become a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. Even though your dreams seem to be taking longer to be fulfilled than you thought.
When I studied in Bible School, one statement was repeated constantly. I remember it so well. It was, “the only way you can fail is if you quit!” This always reminds me to never give up no matter how bad things seem to be. God has destined you for greatness!
Have you ever received a promise from God? This could be a call to ministry, a new job opportunity, a baby or healing, etc. The thing is it’s a promise that God has spoken to you, either through His word, His voice or a word of prophecy. When you receive the promise very seldom do you know how much time it’s going to take to see it fulfilled.
Most people are discouraged when things don’t appear to be working out the way they imagined. I’ve heard of people receiving a word that they were going to go to the nations and that they would be moving around a lot. They decided not to wait for any further instructions and so they put their house up on the market. It sold. Therefore, they believed it was God’s will. However, I believe that there was a waiting period, a time of preparation so that God could speak more clearly into their lives and situations.
After these people made their first or second move and then really didn’t see things the way they believed God had promised, discouragement crept in. They slowly stopped attending church. They never committed to a church since they were constantly moving. This was God’s will, right?
We are not to despise prophecies (1 Thessalonians 5:20) but we do need to be wise when it comes to acting upon them. If God has promised something it will surely come to pass. We sometimes have a part to play and we need to line up with His will, but our part is not usually as big as we think it is. If we can make something happen then God doesn’t receive the glory. If He does something through us that was in no way possible, His Name is lifted up.
We are encouraged by looking at the different Bible characters who “through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12b) People like Abraham who waited twenty-five years before he saw the birth of his promised child, Isaac. You can’t forget Joseph who had many struggles and at the age of seventeen he received a dream that he would be in a position of great influence. He was thirty years old before he reached that position. It took at least thirteen years for him to see his dream fulfilled.
Of course there are many others that we could mention, but we won’t get to them just yet. God’s preparing you to be ready when your time comes. Even though your promise seems so far away, God’s still in control. He’s interested in you. He wants you to do well. If we were to have our promise before His timing it would damage us. Trust that God knows what He’s doing even when you have no clue.
Wherever you may be in your faith journey, take courage! God hasn’t forgotten you. He hasn’t forgotten the promise that He gave you. Understand that God’s promises will be fulfilled. Just trust and believe. Know that God wants you to have your promise and that’s why He gave it to you. Don’t get discouraged just because some time has passed. Allow God to line you up to receive all that He has for you at this time!
6 Comments
Bonnie
Thank you for your blog today Steven! It was what I needed as a reminder. I hope you will continue in your excellent sharings.
Steven Stoffelsen
Thanks Bonnie, I’m glad that you enjoyed it. I do plan to write regularly.
Deborah Hannah
Awesome! Thank you so much. We know to have faith and patience but it’s always nice to hear an encouraging word. I encourage you to keep writing because you are making a difference. You may not get as many comments as you would like but if you only touch a few you have done a great work. ThNk you again. I shared this with a friend. Your sister in Christ!❤️
Steven Stoffelsen
Thank you so much Deborah. Glad that you enjoyed this and it spoke to you.
Lynda
Thanks for this meditation , I need it today. My question is : how do you recognize God’s specific promise for your life ? How do you distinguish your own desire from God’s promises on your life ? Thanks for your feedback. May God bless you and your ministry.
Steven Stoffelsen
Lynda, God can speak to us very clearly and directly. Many times we need to just sit and listen for His voice. He will show you what are your desires and the ones that are His. Usually, a promise from God is bigger than what you can do on your own. Blessings!