GOD IS FAITHFUL
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” 2 Peter 3:8, NIV
Theme: Although it seems like God is taking forever, His perspective is right. If the dream is consistent, keep hanging on!
SUCH A LONG TIME
My grandchildren have been RVing for a while, but they are here over the holidays and a bit beyond. Mike and I asked them about their dreams, about what they are having a hard time waiting for, and about what they are learning while they wait.
Obviously, it’s hard to wait “a WHOLE YEAR until Christmas.” It also seems to them like they’ll have to wait forever until they become teenagers. Or get done with school. Or until they can drive. As adults, we can see that they are not physically or mentally ready for these things and that they need time to mature. They would not do well on their own at this stage. But it will come about in the natural course of time.
One of the younger ones just wants “to be married and have five kids.” Wow! I wonder if that dream will remain consistent over her lifetime and whether or not it will come to pass. I know a few little girls who always dreamed of being mamas and are now living out that exact dream, created for that role. I also know little girls who dreamed of becoming a mom, but for whom God has said, “Not yet,” or “Not in the way you had planned,” or sadly, “No.” Even so, God can be trusted to care for our hearts and dreams.
DREAMS ON HOLD
What do we learn from God when dreams are on hold? Patience, of course. But we also find our dreams coming more in line with God's plans as we pray, read His Word, and maybe even fast.
One granddaughter said she learned she shouldn’t have been so ready to trade out her old scooter for a new one because "it just broke right away!" I, too, have been tempted to trade my current situation (whether job, car, or home) for something new and shiny, only to realize that was not God’s plan or His best for my life. Be patient. Get God’s perspective. Mike and I usually put all our “wants” on a six-week list, so we can see if God gives us peace about that purchase or transition over the long wait.
HANG IN THERE
When I am not seeing the next step or the realization of the call that God has been impressing on me, my job is to “sit tight,” and keep on doing the last thing I was told to do by God. Keep seeking...and He will be found.
So, hang in there! God has not forgotten you or the dream He has placed in your heart!
Make It Personal: What dream are you unsure of or tired of waiting for? Ask God if the dream is the correct one. It may be, but perhaps the timing is wrong. Ask Him to reveal which is the case. If your dream is God-given, learn to trust Him in the waiting. He is faithful and able to bring it to pass in His perfect timing and in His perfect way. If not, be ready to pivot and follow after Him.
Pray: Father, I want to be on Your plan and timetable. Reveal to me the cause of the delay. I am willing to change my “want tos” and plans. I am also willing to wait on You. Amen.
Read: Psalm 27:14, 40:1; Isaiah 25:9, 40:31; Hebrews 6:15
Weekly Memory Verse: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3, ESV