If it were not for the needs close to my own heart, I would never see the needs in others.
God is so wise. He takes the mess and molds the rest.
Profound struggles and phenomenal growth must join hands in the Christian’s life. In other words, the tougher life beats on our personal ground, the greater opportunities to cultivate the soil of a tender love toward God and others.
Reminded this morning, is anything too hard for God? Of course not!
“Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return unto thee…” Genesis 18:14
It would be a search to find anything more challenging than to simply wait, whether we are expecting something good, something bad, or an unknown. Waiting is difficult!
• One way we cope with a long wait (or even a short one), is to begin helping God get His plan into action.
Sarah tried this approach in Genesis. She was too old to expect to have a child on her own, so she thought God must have something else in mind. From Sarah’s limited point of view, this could only be to give Abraham a son through another woman – a common practice in her day. The plan seemed harmless enough.
However, as you read about the events that followed, you will be struck by how often Sarah must have regretted the day she decided to push God’s timetable ahead.
• Another way we cope with a long wait is to conclude that what we are waiting for is never going to happen.
Sarah waited 90-years for a baby. When God told her she would finally have one of her own, she laughed about what He could do through her.
What parts of your life are “on hold” right now? This may be part of God’s plan for you. The Bible has an abundance of clear direction to keep our minds busy whilst we wait for a particular part to move ahead.
Is this day in your life too hard for God? Is the problem you are having too hard for Him?
God is personally involved in our life and nudges us to entreat Him for His power to help. His timetable, and our impatience, is an excellent opportunity for our prayer-life to grow; in the length of time we spend praying, and in our ability to comprehend the mind of God.
Our prayers may not change God’s mind,
but they may change ours.
A good guide for handling impatience is to see the needs of others and take the lead.
Is there someone in your Sunday school class, church, or circle of influence, who recently had surgery, lost a loved one, is going through a tough time, or _________ (fill in the blank).
Do you have a neighbor that God is prompting you to reach out and help? If I were to take our church’s prayer requests and made a decision to write a card to every individual on that list, my week would be consumed. If I were to ask God for a heart like His, I would see others in a different light.
You may not mean the world to everyone, but to someone you are his or her world.
Make a difference in someone’s day. See the need and take the lead. Cook a meal or clean a home. We work for God.
Continue through difficulties.There is no success without sacrifice. Turn your waiting into an opportunity to serve others and do not waste your life consumed with your own burdens. God is working behind the scenes. He has not forgotten you or I.
You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.
Kindness begins with you!
The Opendoors Institute
Corporate Trainer | Conference Speaker
opendoors.deborah@gmail.com
219-902-4243
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