02 Dec The Answer That Came Late
Pastor Vincent - 22 January 2015
Follow The Spirit Of God With Surety
Often, we know that we have to follow the Spirit of God, but we do not know why and how. God reveals things through His spirit, and unless we're determined to obey the calling of gospel, we'll not hear from the Holy Spirit in greater clarity. The Spirit of God is always upholding us in all situations and He gives us power, love and self-discipline in all things and in all situations. And it is the Spirit of God that gives us compelling convictions in life, such that we find purpose and convictions from Him in our regular routines and daily works. No matter what constraints we have in our lives and evangelism, they are every reason to drive us into total reliance on the Holy Spirit so that we can see the infinite God in our finite situation. When we see the clarity of God's leading, we will be compelled to submit to Him and have increasing pulse to finish the gospel race in this end times.
More Messages Associated With "Sufferings"...
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Knowing You Are Loved And Chosen In Christ13 February 2014 |
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Find Hope In Hopelessness14 August 2014 |
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Problems Are Meant To Drive Us To God Reliance4 September 2014 |
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Overcoming Evil Through Actualization Of Our Faith18 September 2014 |
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Follow The Spirit Of God With Surety22 January 2015 |
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Be Afraid Of Not Your Enemy, But Your Heart Stolen By The EnemyDeacon Hui Zhen - 30 April 2015 |
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Suffering In The Presence Of A Divine Relationship17 September 2015 |
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Hallmarks Of Blessedness1 October 2015 |
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Threats And Assurance12 March 2016 |
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Find Rest For Your Soul16 April 2016 |
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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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