DISCOURAGED? (PART 2)

TEXT:

"I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings." (Psalms 40 stanzas 1 to 2, King James Version).

As a Christian, the Bible tells us that we need to have patience as we seek God's intervention in our lives. The Book of Hebrews chapter 10 verse 36 is  particularly instructive. It says,

"For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." I have reiterated times without number that even the Lord Himself knows that as Christians we should learn to endure trying moments.

      A trying moment is that time span between when we pray for God's intervention in our life's situation and when He answers our prayers. It is usually a very crucial moment in our walk with God. This is when, as Hebrews 10 verse 36 says, "ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise". At this crucial moment of trial, if you don't exercise patience as a Christian virtue, you might become disillusioned and discouraged because that's when satan, using your flesh will tempt you sore, giving you reasons to relapse and forsake your faith in the Lord.

     Our God is the Lord of miracles. That we know! But sometimes, He may not choose to intervene for us suddenly and miraculously too. Let's not forget therefore that oftentimes, it takes time for Him to intervene in our situations. Whether it's healing, deliverance or what have you, it sometimes takes time for God to intervene for us. Such time lag shouldn't give us occasion to get discouraged.

   Understand that if it's not the enemy that's hindering the answer to your prayer like in Daniel's case, the delay might be because there's something that God wants to accomplish in your life, to the end that you might be perfected in the faith. But we don't usually realize this. All we want is that the Lord should answer our prayers very quickly. But God will have many things to consider to determine whether to grant your request now or not. At such times of waiting, it's best to be patient with Him  and to fully trust Him to do the best for you, knowing how much He desires to do you good.

     In our Scripture reading for today, the Psalmist says,

"I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings."

    Rather than get discouraged therefore, believe that this same God will incline unto you and hear your cry as you wait patiently for Him. In your walk with God, learn to take advantage of patience as a Christian virtue that you might have the ability to remain under that situation until God gets you out of it.  Surely, as the Scripture says, He's bringing you up also out of that horrible situation and believe you me, what He will do will not only serve to establish your goings, it will shock men also. The Bible says that "he (God) hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord." (Psalms 40 verse 3, emphasis added). May this be so with you, in Jesus name.

     No matter the situation that you may be in, refuse to cast away your confidence in the Lord, which according to the Bible, has great recompense of reward (Hebrews 10 verse 35). Resolve to remain resolute and steadfast in your faith. Remember that a “discouraged” person is helpless because he's stripped of the necessary “courage” to face the enemy of his soul, and in that state, he cannot prevail in prayer against him. While you may be going through such moments of despondency, refuse to be offended in the Lord because as the Lord Jesus said in Matthew 11 verse 6, you are blessed if you are not offended by Him.

     Dear beloved yoke-fellow, be mindful also that this is not the time for you to hang your harp upon the willows (Psalms 137 stanza 2). Remember always that the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8 verse 10). What you need to do at this time is to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord in your life ( Exodus 14 verses 13 to 14). Be calm and face your trying moment with confidence, believing that God that has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ just as Philippians 1 verse 6 says.

PRAYER:

Father, I remain resolute and steadfast in my faith, believing You to intervene in my life's situation, in Jesus name.