Ps 13:1 How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
As we are on the topic of the trials of faith, one of the foremost tests for a disciple of Jesus is the trial of waiting. Or what we could call "Divine Delays". If you find yourself waiting, if you think the Lord has passed you by, if you find that the Lord has delayed beyond your expectation, take courage. You are in good company. All the saints of God have gone through this process. Abraham, Moses, David, even in the new testament the saints of God have waited fearfully for a lord who seemed delayed. But remember, the eyes of the Lord are always on those who wait on Him and whose hearts are perfect towards him. A quick search in the Old testament on the words "How Long" yields a rich set of verses of the heart cry of the dear ones who waited for the Lord Ps 6:3; Ps 13:1; Ps 35:17; Ps 79:5; Ps 80:4; Ps 89:46; Ps 90:13; Ps 94:3; Hab 1:2; Zech 1:12
Does God need our advice ?
In the above Psalm, David (one who was after God's own heart - to whom the Lord revealed the greatest truths in that dispensation) goes through a period where he fears that the Lord has forgotten him and where He has seemingly hidden His face from David. In Psalm 40:17, the saint of God cries out that he is poor & needy and to not tarry, but to come to his help fast. You can't speed God up! Isa 40:13-14 says: What man has taught God or been His counselor ? We may yet face even physical anguish as we wait for the lord! (Psa 69:3) Indeed the promise of God says: Psa 25:3 - those who wait on the lord shall not be ashamed. In some of the earlier posts, I've written on this topic. I believe this is one of the most common, Yet most difficult tests of a christian disciple. Read these 2 posts for some thoughts on the same.
http://believerblogs.blogspot.
A Family that Jesus loved
John 11:5-6 - Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days
Is the Lord cruel to wait when His dear friend is sick unto death? The Lord's love is not an assurance that His loved ones shall not suffer or go through dark nights. But His love is indeed an assurance that He will be with us in those troubles. He will not leave us nor forsake us. While you are waiting, you may think the Lord could have done better (John 11:21). But as Jesus told the grieving family in John 11:40, only Believe and you will see the Glory Of God. The more He is making you wait, the more is the glory that will be manifest.
Be patient
James 5:7 - During the times of delays and waiting, sow the precious seeds patiently. And as a farmer rejoices not at sowing but when the fruit comes, you shall also rejoice surely. Heb 10:36 reminds us that we need to patiently wait and do the will of God before we reap His promises. The light momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory. As Job says: (Job 23:10) He knows the way I take. when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold!
We faint not!
2 Cor 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Cor 4:1 - since we have received this ministry by God's mercy, we do not lose heart.
Having these promises, dear friend, don't lose heart. Hold on to the Lord.
David cries in his despair three times - that his soul was downcast. He addresses his soul's disturbance and decides " I will yet praise HIM". Psa 42:5, Psa 42:11, Psa 43:5 Praise Him, while you are yet to see Him move and surely at the right time, He will move heavens in your favor.
God Bless!
PS: In the days ahead, I hope to write on topics of the various trials of faith - like delays, choices we make, divine silence, suffering, difficult way, making great demands, illogical counsels from God etc. The first post of this series is here. http://believerblogs.
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