02 Dec The Answer That Came Late
Preacher Huijun - 16 January 2014
Winning Formula Vs Recipe For Failure
Many times, we often live in disheartenment. We get defeated by situations, information and thoughts about things yet to come. The truth is, we do not need to wait for things to become better, bad news to subside and good feelings to come before we feel good and victorious. In Christ, we are already victorious. When we believe right, Holy Spirit will lead us into doing the right thing and the outcomes will surely be right! How often do we go back to the truth in this world that constantly engulf our faith in Christ? Today, restore the 5 Solas (Only) of a believer. When you hold onto Sola Scriptura (Only Bible), Solus Christus (Only Christ), Sola Fide (Only Faith) , Sola Gratia (Only grace), and Soli Deo Gloria (All glory to God alone), victory is not an outcome but a state of our living. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. [Mt 16:25] Paradox it may seem, yet such is the power of Holy Spirit, and everyone who believes in Him will never be ashamed. You are already victorious in Christ. Cling onto the right anchor point today!
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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