Hope Deferred

    In God’s word there’s a “league of extraordinary waiters!”  Sounds like a new restaurant reality show, doesn’t it?  Just like the “hall of faith” in Hebrews, chapter 11, peppered throughout Scriptures are people who can teach us, if we search them out, what perspective best serves and glorifies our Lord while we’re waiting for a breakthrough in uncomfortable or adverse circumstances.  Recently, I zeroed in on Hannah, the mother of the great Old Testament prophet, Samuel.  Although she felt rejected and was embittered over having a closed womb, we’re told that her focus at some point shifted from a “woe-is-me-because-of-my-unchanging-circumstance,” to one of focusing upon God.  If we know nothing else about Hannah, we know that she was honest before the sovereign God with her petition, as we’re told in 1 Sam. 1:12-16.
 
   You’ve heard it said that it’s not the size of our faith, but its object (i.e., God Himself) which is paramount; He honors even “mustard seed” faith, says Matt. 17:20.  Even though we see that Hannah’s deferred hope had led her to experience some sickness of heart, the fact that she had a degree of faith was enough to effect a change in her situation.  She apparently believed that “without faith it is impossible to please Him” and that God is a “rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6)  Hannah did not deny her emotional weariness or anguish when queried by the likes of Eli the priest (1Sam. 1:15, 16).  Instead, she prayed fervently and in faith, committing the matter wholly to her God.  Undoubtedly, Hannah’s faith victory was preceded by her devotion and obedience to God, a heart attitude which she passed on to her son, Samuel.

   So for what are you waiting on God today?  For a prodigal child to receive Christ and begin worshiping and serving Him in spirit and in truth?  For God’s choice of a good spouse?  For the next “season” of life, once the nest is finally emptied?  For an improvement in your financial circumstances?  God wants us to persevere in trusting Him, despite how things may appear.  (2 Cor. 5:7 remains in the Book)!  He would have us seek His wisdom, guidance, and strength, and most of all, an intensified experience of His presence, through service and worship, while we wait.  He would have us to, like Hannah in the wake of her fervent prayer in 1 Sam. 1:18, commit our petitions to Him, believing that they’ve been answered—before we even see tangible results.  This is how we mature in our faith in Christ.

PRAYER: Dear Abba, from time to time we need a special personal revival from You to run further, to “mount up with wings like eagles,” and to persevere in completing what You’ve called us to do-- as though seeing that which is presently not visible on the horizon of our lives.  Help us to remember that faithful are You who promised, who will also bring it (whatsoever is in keeping with Your perfect will) to pass. Thank You, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
By Sis Denise Diggs