02 Dec The Answer That Came Late
Preacher Huijun - 16 July 2015
God Is Worthy To Be Praised
How are you looking at yourself today? As a child of God, redeemed by God with a heavy price through the Holy Son Jesus Christ, do we still often look at ourselves through our naked eyes and feelings that fluctuate today? When Zechariah's heart started to grow cold towards the promise of God because of the many unfulfilled prayers, God was still faithful and preparing the greatest blessing for him that transcended all his physical conditions - a blessed son, John the baptist. Like Zechariah, we also often lose hope in God in various circumstances, for we are always deceived into seeing ourselves outside the covenant, and narrow-mindedly, when God is still working mightily at the background to carry His perfect will to completion through our conditions. Despite our narrow-mindedness, Holy spirits is still empowering us both strongly and passively so that we will not lose faith. If we start to pray according to the truth today, we will be guided by the Holy Spirit again to look at ourselves through the lens of God and His covenant, instead of our micro circles of thoughts, emotions and desires today. Indeed God is worthy to be praised, not only "did He rescue us from the hand of our enemies, He also enables us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.”
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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