Hope in the waiting!

We live in an day and age when no-one likes to wait.

Am I correct?

I mean if you order a package from amazon and they guarantee 1 day delivery but it takes 2 we get upset

If you have to wait in line for anything you get perturbed. except maybe Timmies

those lines seem to go on forever

Waiting is a fact of life, often outside of your control. and maybe that’s why we don’t like it

But waiting isn’t all bad, waiting can be good.

When infused with Hope, waiting builds anticipation

without hope, waiting seems like a waste of time

In Nazi germany they carried out heinous experiments on prisoners

ILL Story of moving blocks from one side of the yard to the other

the intent was to remove hope from the prisoners.

Isaiah 40:31 NASB95

Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.

So there are some obvious benefits to waiting

What I wan to talk about today is

What do we do When we are waiting on God for something

What do I mean by that?

Well many of us are waiting on God for an answer.

whether it is a healing, a miracle, a release of financial provision, a job, the salvation of a loved one.

The list can go on and on, of things we are simply waiting on God to do.

And it is very easy to get discouraged when we have to wait.

So what are we supposed to do while we are waiting?

First thing to understand is their is always a reason to wait.

Secondly we may never know that reason this side of Heaven

So Jesus said in

John 16:33 NASB95

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

Waiting is part of the character building process.

Is gives greater value to the answer when it comes

but that’s little comfort when your in the middle of it.

Romans 12:12 NASB95

rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,

Isaiah 30:18 NASB95

Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him.

2 Peter 3:8 NASB95

But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.

Psalm 27:14 NASB95

Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.

This is what I want to focus on today!

Take Courage

If hope can be removed, discouragement can easily set in

What I see in the Spirit is this is exactly what the enemy is focusing on today

I believe the satan is actively trying to push discouragement on God’s people

Now this is not a new thing.

its been his tactic since the formation of the church, and even before

Today I believe he is heightening his efforts because the devil is afraid of this next move of God on the earth, and is doing everything he can to delay it

If we look at the word DISCOURAGE

DIS - COURAGE

It means to remove courage

What is courage?

Courage is the determination to do what God has called you to do

Often we think of courage, for a solider, firefighter, or police officer

but you should understand you are constantly on the front line of the greatest battle ever to be fought.

ILL walking around on the front lines getting hit…blaming God

2 Corinthians 10:3–4 NASB95

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.

What is a Fortress? (Stronghold)

2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB95

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

What you believe can prevent God from doing what He wants to do

Mark 6:4–5 NASB95

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.” And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.

Matthew 13:58 NASB95

And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.

That’s only 1 reason

Romans 12:2 NASB95

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Just because we cannot see the battle with our eyes does not mean it doesn’t exit

If the enemy can discourage you, you will be unable to do what God wants you to do

Deuteronomy 31:6 NASB95

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”

Joshua 1:9 NASB95

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”