The Answer That Came Late

The Answer That Came Late

Pastor Vincent - 26 September 2013

Answers We Need To Receive For Evangelism

To most people, "World Evangelism (WE)" seems too hardcore to accept, and it is not at all relevant to this world, it's so unachievable. But God's promise is all relevant to our conditions, daily living and level of faith. His promise stays and He will bring it to pass. Instead of soaking in self-insufficiencies, sinks in the truth and accept WE as your destiny. And when you are walking towards world evangelism, the problems and limitations that are unveiled before you are exactly where you need to find answers. Every part of you = Perfect Conditions for World Evangelism

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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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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