“Delay never thwarts God’s purpose; rather, it polishes His instrument.”- Victor Raymond Edman
Today Charles Stanley concludes his discussion of five lessons we can learn while expectantly waiting on God.
2. To value God’s timing. Dr. Stanley defines God’s timing as “a tool God [uses] to effectively carry out His will and build dedication to His plan.” Just like David, we can’t be driven by what others think. God will take care of our situation in His perfect time. We are simply to wait for His direction. Dr. Stanley concludes:
“. . . the delays we face are not a denial of His promises; rather, they are an integral part of His strategy to arrange all the details and get us positioned for His excellent plan.”
3. To prepare for His blessings. Confining God’s blessing to our timing may be absolutely destructive to us today, but completely wonderful for us tomorrow. Dr. Stanley adds that the Lord also cultivates our character to increase our commitment to the responsibilities and challenges of God’s gift. Dr. Stanley states: “God lingers, develops you, and matures your character so you are fully equipped to receive all He has planned for you.”
4. To strengthen our faith. Our faith is tested and grows greatly when we only have God’s promise to rely upon. For this purpose, Dr. Stanley stresses, “the Lord will intentionally put adverse conditions in our path so we choose to believe Him rather than focus on our circumstances.” We’ll never go wrong waiting on God.
5. To sift our moments and desires. If our motives are wrong or our tactics sinful, God will work to align our hearts with His purposes for our lives. Dr. Stanley encourages that when God sifts us, there’s no telling what “wonderful, exciting, energizing and fulfilling things He’s purposed to do through us.”
Today’s question: Which of the five lessons are most meaningful? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Directed toward God”
