02 Dec The Answer That Came Late
Pastor Vincent - 28 May 2015
Know And Enjoy The Power Of Gospel
We know that we should believe in the promise of God and forsake ourselves, but our fallen nature does not allow us to do so easily, because the worldly achievements and glories look so desirable to our flesh, especially when everyone else is also pursuing these things. Actually, the hardest thing is not about being able to do it, forsake the world and love the Lord. Instead, the hardest thing is not knowing the gospel and thus unable to enjoy the power the gospel brings. How did people of great faith mentioned in Hebrews managed the difficulties of letting go of the world? In fact, they were truly people who lived in the power of the gospel! The power of gospel had moved and influenced them to the stage beyond what they had thought and imagined, not by having more of the world but being rich within. Do we yearn for such power? Often, we rush to prove ourselves through achieving good outcomes and conditions; but Christ manifest the greatest power by submitting to the Father’s will. Therefore, know the power you’re seeking today. Keep looking to Jesus and experience the change of heart. As you confirm the differences of the worldly's and God’s power, you will be increasingly thankful for the godly training God leads you in, because through it you’ll restore the glorious image of God to the fullest and enjoy the joy of an evangelist.
From Series: "All English Service"
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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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