The Answer That Came Late

02 Dec The Answer That Came Late

Posted at 10:57h in English Service, Featured by Preacher Huijun 0 Comments

Pastor Vincent - 24 July 2014

By His Grace, Be Doers of His Word

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Living out the word is not about self will but a test of our foundation. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27 NIV) If your foundation is on Christ, the Spirit will continuously convict you, leading you into revering Lord. One who puts her anchor on the rock (Jesus Christ) will have a sustaining and consistent character that radiates the saltiness of Christ in all seasons.

From Series: "All English Service"

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Waiting is usually agonizing for most people. And often when we are made to wait, we tend to feel that God has singled us out for this unwanted process and we always ask, “Why me, Lord? How long, O Lord?” Yet, waiting is a frequent lesson observed in the Bible. In fact, “wait” could be the most precious answer God has given us. For during the wait, we are forced to confront this question: “What is our chief treasure and joy?” Is what we are waiting for more than God Himself”? If our chief joy lies in the final outcome at the end of the wait, then we will surely be miserable during the wait; but if our highest delight is in the Lord, who is present with us even right now, our hearts will find strength as we wait.

Verses to read:
<Gen 21:1-7>

1. The Lord did just as He had promised.

Faithful.
Did the impossible.
God will make us laugh, eventually.

2. But it takes time…

1) Understand what God does in the waiting process.

Repeatedly affirms His promise.
Waits till all human factors failed.

***We are most concerned about the outcome, but what God values more is the process of moulding the recipient.

Wants us to desire God more than a son [or any other desire].

***Something actually happens when nothing seems to be happening.

Before the most important answer comes, there needs to be better preparation.

***“Wait” could be the most precious answer God gives us. The wait can make us cherish God more than cherishing a particular outcome.

2) Our response during the wait.

Continue to wait for God, even if nothing or the opposite of what we hope for happens.
Jesus said, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” <Jn 5:17>
Our faith in His goodness today can help us trust His faithfulness tomorrow.
Let our waiting be a testimony.
Give thanks that God is a “waiting” God.
Confirm little graces >>> restore greater faith.
Seek out what God wants us to submit.
<Ps 118:24> This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. [ESV]
Do not take shortcuts.

***What is our chief treasure and joy?

***Is what we are waiting for more than God Himself?

3. Our response after receiving the long-awaited answer is important.

Obedience.
Persistent trust in God.

Reflections:

Share your experience in your waiting process. How do you sustain your faith and hope?
How have you confirmed God’s work even when things appear contrary to God’s truth/promises?

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Preacher Hui Jun

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Huijun serves as Secretary of The Blessed RUN Ministries. She is also the Preacher at The Life Church and Missions (Singapore). She graduated from Singapore Bible College and currently lives in Singapore with her husband, Chengji.