Waiting Does not Diminish us

All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it’s not only around us; it’s within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We’re also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy... Romans 8. 22 - 25 (Msg)

While Hannah was waiting on God for the fruit of the womb, Peninnah, having had children without stress, mocked her. She reminded Hannah, at every chance she got, how unfortunate it is that Hannah could not have children. Hannah must have been very sad. She must have asked herself questions. She probably wondered at some point whether God was not on her side. But it wasn't yet her time, she had to wait on the Lord to remember her and bless her with the fruit of the womb.

While we wait for something to happen, maybe for the contract to come through, for the breakthrough, for the expected job, for the promotion, for the transfer and so on, we may get a little concerned or even troubled especially if there are people around us who seem to be getting these things almost effortlessly. Probably you resumed job about the same time and you've both been working diligently but the other person gets all the recommendations and promotions. It is a pregnancy stage.

The early weeks of pregnancy, the mother is just so glad that it's finally happening; "I'm going to be a mum!"  But as weeks pass by, she could no longer wear some of her favorite clothes, she could no longer bend down like she used to, she now has to sleep in a certain posture, she has to be deliberate with what she eats and worse, she feels pains. The closer she is to the arrival of her bundle of joy, the more pains she feels. And then the pains climax, during labour. But it won't last and soon, she will be all smiles holding her heritage of God.

So we also, when our dreams and desires take so much effort from us but they seem not to be coming forth. We have been working and labouring for a while and we seem not to be seeing the fruits. It is because the fruit hasn't fully matured, for when the time is right, it will come forth and it will be as though we are in a dream. Maturity takes different time for different results. But one thing is sure, whosoever conceives and endures the pangs, will ultimately deliver and it will be worth more than the pains.

So when it was Hannah's time to bring forth, Samuel was the result and he was worth more than her time of waiting. Therefore, let the word of God console you, that waiting isn't shameful in anyway, we are enlarged in the waiting, and more joyful at the result of our expectation.

If you have not made Jesus Christ your Lord and saviour, you cannot take advantage of what God had prepared for you. We urge you, don’t wait another moment. Make up your mind and say this prayer:

“Dear God, I ask you to forgive me all my sins and make me anew. I believe that Jesus died for me and you raised him up on the third day, I confess that He is Lord now and forever. I accept your son, Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.”

Congratulations! Now that you are born again, look for a bible believing church to attend that you might know what he has provided for you. 

Receiving Divine Guidance

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:14

When it comes to receiving divine guidance, most Christians expect the spectacular. We want to hear an audible voice from heaven telling us what to do. But in reality, maybe just an handful have experienced that in a few times in their lives. Truth is that we can be led by God as his children in very simple ways that most people do not esteem.

In scriptures, we find an angel of the Lord coming to Mary the mother of Jesus and speaking to her about the child not yet born in her womb (Luke 1:26-38). However, for Joseph who later became her husband, he needed to fall asleep before he could get a direction from God about marrying Mary and the protection of Jesus (Matt 1:20-21). Don't assume you will get direction from God exactly the way your spouse, sibling, friend etc do. Have an heart to receive but don't be fixated about how it will come.

Even in human communications, we say someone has not communicated until the other party understands you. We must always trust God enough to know that He will get his message to us at the best possible means. Most people who received God's word in scripture were not out to get His word, but they did. Moses was tending the flocks of his father-in-law when he saw a bush burning and the bush wasn't consumed by the fire, that was enough for God to get His attention. Another classic example in the New Testament was when Saul who later became Paul was on his way to persecute Christians and a light from heaven, brighter than the sun stopped and changed his journey.

While we all might experience something dramatic once in a while, the primary and basic way God leads us is through our spirit. The spirit of a new creation believer is alive to God hence can receive directions from God, hence we must pay the utmost attention to it.

Don't wait till you are about to make a major decision before taking it serious. Due to the alarming rate of divorce amongst couples, many singles feel it’s important to hear the voice of God on the matter. But the area many fail is that you must have learnt what the voice or leading of God is to you as an individual on other smaller matters before attempting major ones. When to go out, whom to speak with, what to say, how do I present my words etc before taking such an important decision as marriage.

The part alot of people don't like is making mistakes. You will definitely make mistakes. However, what is important is the enormity of the mistake and what you learnt from the process. It is alright to make the mistake in the little things while you perfect your hearing ability. We are all products of right and wrong decisions we have made in time past. Don't say because you missed it so there is nothing like divine directions. Don't let your negative experience rob you of the next benefit you can receive from God. Give yourself time to grow and learn. Not every negative experience is God trying to speak with you.

Always remember that you become better at every new attempt. Making a practice of hearing God will help you in every area of life. Don't be hasty to act on the decision you take, sometimes give the decision time.

If you have not made Jesus Christ your Lord and saviour, you cannot take advantage of what God had prepared for you. We urge you, don’t wait another moment. Make up your mind and say this prayer:

“Dear God, I ask you to forgive me all my sins and make me anew. I believe that Jesus died for me and you raised him up on the third day, I confess that He is Lord now and forever. I accept your son, Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.”

Congratulations! Now that you are born again, look for a bible believing church to attend that you might know what he has provided for you.