02 Dec The Answer That Came Late
Preacher Huijun - 5 November 2015
Anxiety-Free In Christ
Anxiety is one major state that distract saints from following God. Do you worry easily? We cannot worry and seek God soberly at the same time. When we worry, not only the devil is attacking us like a roaring lion in an attempt to destroy our trust in God, our overpowering desires also prevent us from trusting God that He loves us supremely and knows what we need best. Unconsciously, our body, mind and spirit enter into a "labouring on our own" state. Jesus said, "do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own". We often hear people say "Do not worry, be happy". What then is the surety we can rest on for not being worrisome; and what is the assurance that we can be happy? When Jesus gives us the word "Do not worry about tomorrow", He means to tell us that the Father God loves you so profoundly deep that He is willing to give up His one and only Son to die for our sins, so that we can be clothed in His righteousness, as long as we believe in Him. The Father our God who clothes even the flowers and grass of the field, how much more will he clothe you today, who are being called and justified by Him? That is the surety we can rest on today for not being worrisome - He cares for you, more profoundly and more unimaginably and so goodly than we think. How then can we be sure that we can be happy? We can be happy today as long as we know what is God's will for us today - "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (not your focus and your goodness that you fight on your own)" and be faithful today in the roles, time, tasks which God has entrusted to you, today. We can plan for tomorrow, but we plan knowing God is with us tomorrow, and He's the one who is responsible of the outcomes come what may.
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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