The Answer That Came Late

The Answer That Came Late

Pastor Vincent - 21 May 2015

Believing And Forsaking

What gives you the ongoing stamina in this Christian race? Everyone wants to feel useful, be recognised and thrive in the world. When Christians do not follow the current of the world, we often feel the pressure of being “different”, or unfitting, so much so that it brews doubt in us about the practicality and worthiness of this Christian race we’re running in. Paradoxically, the world often seems so beautiful, believable and enjoyable before God destroys it. But through the stories between Abraham and Lot, God has a message for His people - don’t be afraid to jeopardize your worldly joy when you choose to set apart for God, because when you hold onto the promise of God by faith alone, your God who chose and gave you the promise will also sanctify and glorify you. We often find ourselves a partial Lot who lives by sight, but desiring to be Abraham who lives by faith. This is because we do not believe that God’s promise is more real and more beautiful than what we’re holding on, or our conditions just inhibit us to believe that God will truly make us the heir of the world, just as He told Abraham. Abraham wanted a son, but God gave him The Son. When he parted ways with Lot who was then the only hope he had, God revealed to him and strengthened him with His promise again when he had no hope in his earthly conditions, God was all he had. When we are encouraged by God’s promise alone, the faith we have will also lead us to infinite possibilities of God’s work in our life. Let’s receive a covenanted reason and direction in this Christian race today, God delights in us witnessing the trueness of His promise 🙂 — “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!” - Mark 9:24

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The Answer That Came Late


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.

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