Today’s Post By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
Are you struggling to overcome some obstacle in life? Are you becoming discouraged because things aren’t happening as quickly as you hoped? Perhaps the following Scripture in Deuteronomy provides hope and encouragement:
“Do not be terrified by them, for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God. The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you.” (Deuteronomy 7:21-22)
Our God is an awesome God and through Him all things are possible. Like a mighty wave crashing against the shore, the Lord goes before us and drives out our enemies. But when life is at a impasse, it’s tempting to become discouraged and start thinking God has forgotten us or isn’t doing anything to help us. When those thoughts and feelings emerge, we must remember that God’s timing is perfect. He is often working behind the scenes, though it is only in hindsight that we recognize this truth.
When it seems as though nothing is moving forward, perhaps God is preparing the field ahead so that when He does act, abundant fruit springs forth. Or perhaps God is moving on the hearts of those who will be affected once things do move forward. Better yet, is it possible that God is building needed character traits while we wait? Character traits like: patience, perseverance, humility, diligence, and total abandonment to Him.
In times of discouragement we must cling to the promises of God. If God directed us this far, He’s not going to abandon us. He is closer than we realize. We must not allow our fickle feelings to distort reality. We must cling to what we know is true and keep seeking God with all of our heart. He promises to guide our every step (Isaiah 30:21). And when patience wears thin, we must cry out to Jesus and ask Him to give us strength, peace, and encouragement while we wait.
“God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” (1 Corinthians 1:9)
“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.” (Deuteronomy 7:9)
“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
Waiting is hard, but golden.