Read Genesis 16:2

By the time Ishmael arrived, Abram had turned 86. If we skip ahead to read about that birth of Isaac, the true son of Abram’s covenant with God, we’ll see Abram was 100 years old then. Abram and Sarai tried to rush God, attempting to get the Lord on their timetable, but they didn’t receive their blessing for another 14 long years. Our running ahead doesn’t pressure God to hurry His agenda. When we try to coerce the Lord into giving us what we want, when we want it, He responds, in effect, “You’re not ready. This blessing isn’t good for you right now. You have so much more to learn ... so trust Me. And don’t expect Me to explain Myself.”

You might find yourself in Abram’spredicament right now, and you’re praying that great American prayer, “Lord, hurry up!” You want answers now; you want His blessing now. You’re convinced you’ve waited long enough. Waiting is difficult, and you want progress, so your great temptation when the Lord doesn’t appear to be doing anything is to get things going yourself. Your predicament has dragged on for too long, and you’re tired of it.

If that describes you (if it doesn’t now, it will soon!), I have a four-letter word for you: wait.

When we’re forced to wait, the Lord helps us acquire an appetite for the blessing to come. Meanwhile, He builds our maturity so that when the fulfilment finally arrives, we are prepared to enjoy His blessing to the fullest.

REFLECT

Is there something you’re waiting on from God right now? How might He use your circumstances to build your maturity during this season?

Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. — Psalm 27:14

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Excerpted from Charles R. Swindoll, Great Days with the Great Lives (Nashville: W Publishing Group, 2005). Copyright © 2005 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.