Isa. 30:18; 2nd π Isa. 31:1 π Hab. 2:3
In present-day Christian circles, the most heard cry is “go out and do something for God.”
This can be one of the most hurtful bits of advice, especially in a society where already everything is geared to a hurry-up assembly line process.
This proposal of human activity to fulfill the great commission will produce massive demonstrations of fleshly zeal, destined to harvest what only the flesh can reap: a chaff-filled crop failure.
Since our Heavenly Father has pre-ordained our path to follow as Christians, let us rely and lean totally on His timing and preparations to fulfill our vision and calling. Any proposed human wisdom can be disastrous.
“For the vision is yet for an appointed time…though it tarry, wait for it, because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” ( Hab. 2:3; top )
We hear from the mature (seasoned with trials) old-timers, who reiterate:
- Learn to wait and wait.
- Delays are not denials.
- Patience is always victorious.
They lean on the verse from Isa. 30:18 (Amp.): “And therefore the Lord (earnestly) waits – expectant, looking and longing – to be gracious to you and show loving kindness to you; for the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed – happy, fortunate (to be envied) are all those who (earnestly) wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him (for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy and His matchless, unbroken companionship).” (top)
“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help…” ( Isa. 31:1; top )
The way to use the Lord’s strength and direction for our life’s struggles and service for Him is to wait for His strength, and this is obviously much more difficult than:
- consulting with the Egyptians.
- using common sense.
- going the way of our own will.
Any of the above programs will lead us out from under the cloud of God’s protection. Wait until the pillar or the cloud moves.
When our waiting has been fulfilled, then as the cloud moves, we follow and watch as Almighty God provides the strength, faith and courage for the final assault of victory. This whole process is so neat because it deprives us of boasting of our great faith and strength; it gives God all the glory, where it belongs, and relives of the pressure behind the prestigious label of God’s man of faith and power.”
This procedure is the antithesis of all worldly and earthly proposals for success. It is especially revolting to our egos, and destroys the credibility of human leadership, and eventually reduces us all to humble servants of an all-holy God.
What a place of peaceful and relaxed spiritual rest in our God’s strength!
“…Blessed are all they that wait for Him.” ( Isa. 30:18; top )
(The only great thing about man is his great sin.)
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