The Answer That Came Late

The Answer That Came Late

Pastor Vincent - 19 December 2013

Run In Such A Way To Get The Prize

All English Service

An important message to wrap up 2013, giving us important prayer topics for the coming 2014. May we aim for the crown that last forever - not out of conscience, courage nor responsibilities, rather, it's God's children being made courageous by deeply comprehending the Holy Spirit and how it works beyond ourselves. Not because we are able, it's because God has made it able for those whom He loves. What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel. Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:18-27 NIV)

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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
[email protected]

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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