02 Dec The Answer That Came Late
Preacher Huijun - 15 October 2015
Not Letter, But Love
What kind of heart do you carry with yourself as you read the Word of God? The heart you carry determines the reactions that will unfold in your life, after reading the Word. Some people bring an accused heart into reading the Word, knowing that the Word has said it all, yet she is helpless in achieving it. What she should do she does not, what she should not do she does all the times. Instead of getting comfort from the Word that spells love to the heart, the accused heart causes her to unable receive grace, assurance and support from God. God wants us to restore the heart of sonship as we read the Word. He desires us to enjoy being a child of God, and thus enjoy full freedom and reconciliation with God as we seek to find Him (and His directions) through His Word. The Word is not emphasizing the set of laws to uphold but more importantly, the love of God that covers all multitude of sins. Therefore, as we read it with a heart of Child, the love that outflows from God's Word will renew and deepen our love for God increasingly, until we desire to be holy and blameless, just like Christ. Dear brethren, don't be discouraged by our failures. Instead, fight the residual lukewarmness and doubts towards God's love by knowing the love of God the way it should be, not the way we want it to be. The letter of God spells love in all its core. Taste the love.
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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