The Bible says, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour” (Hab. 3:17-18)
Dear Reader, if you are a seasoned air traveller, there are chances that you will be familiar with the term “holding pattern.” Holding Pattern is simply when your plane is unable to land because of unfavourable ground conditions. Generally, the pilot will announce that he’s been told to maintain a “holding pattern” pending an update from the control tower. It happens regularly, so planes have to carry enough fuel to stay airborne till they can land safely. Does this sound familiar to you?
The Bible says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong; be strong…let your heart take courage” (Psa 27:14). My friend, a time will come in your life time when God will put you in a holding pattern. When God puts you in a holding pattern, it is not just a question of having enough faith to receive His promise, it is also a matter of having enough “spiritual staying power, strength and patience” to stay airborne until the promise comes to pass without grumbling, without worrying, without complaining, without hurrying, without giving up or exercise impatience. That is why you need to carry enough spiritual fuel to handle delays and wait for clearance.
Speaking of the Holy Spirit, the Bible says, “…a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind…” (Acts 2:2). After God had delayed Noah long enough to accomplish His purpose, “…He sent a wind…” (Gen 8:1). My friend, we all go through holding pattern – waiting period when it will seem like God has forsaken us, abandoned us or keep silence on our matter. Is that where you are today? What you need at your waiting period is the wind. Anytime the wind comes from the presence of God, it will blow away all hindrances or obstacles and destroys every barriers, mountains and limitations. It will shock and stop the mouth of every critics. It will dry the ground under your feet so you can move ahead and it will demolish the spirit of fear, impatience, worry, hurry, complaints, anxiety and heaviness that makes people want to quit or give up.
My friend, what has God promised you? Are you still standing on the promise or you have walked away from it due to past experiences? What do you trust Him for? What is God calling you to? Just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it won’t happen, or that God has forgotten you or changed His mind. God’s word is His bond just as our words should be our bond. When He made a promise to Abraham, He fulfilled it. He promised Hannah of a male child and He did it. He never fails. If He promises it, He’ll do it! That is why you must hold on more firmly to the promise you have received or the truths you have heard, so that you will not be carried away (read Heb 2:1). This is why you need to cooperate with God in the process of fulfillment!
My friend, you should believe that God is working in your life even when you don’t feel it or see it. Films are developed into pictures in the dark room! Listen! “Everything on earth has its own time and its own season.” (Eccl 3:1) There are seasons in your spiritual, physical, marital or financial life too. Sometimes you will have a short, intense burst of growth (springtime) followed by a period of stabilizing and testing (autumn and winter). What about those problems, betrayal of trust, habits, pains, bitterness and hurts you would like to be removed miraculously? It’s fine to pray for a miracle, but don’t be disappointed if the answer comes through a gradual change. Over time, a slow, steady stream of water will erode the hardest rock and turn giant boulders into pebbles.
What is the point of Hannah giving birth to Samuel when Eli was still in position? You don’t need to help God or force things to happen. The timing may not be right for Him to get the ultimate glory and for you to get the ultimate benefit. Wait! “Let patience have her perfect work in you, so that you may be matured and equipped wanting nothing” (James 1:4). Impatience is a sign of immaturity. My friend, while you are waiting, God is working. In the meantime, keep worshipping God, trusting Him, serving Him, praying to Him, studying His Word and obeying Him.
You may ask, “But Michael, it is easy for you to say this. I’m frustrated. When will it be?” My friend, wait with patience! Even in the times of frustration and waiting, God is still thinking about you and working everything out for your good (read Psa 8:4, Rom 8:28). His delays are not denials. What you need to do while you are waiting is this – “Rejoice in the Lord!” Begin to praise and worship the Lord everyday as from today for what He’s going to do for you because His absolute will shall come through for you in this month of delivery in Jesus name (Amen). But Michael, it is not easy! That is why you need the Holy Spirit. He will help you. I can testify to that. God is doing a new thing in your life. It is now time to forget past betrayal, disappointments, divorce and abandonment. Instead ask God for the spiritual staying strength and power to wait for the promise of God. “Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay.” (Hab 2:3). Remain blessed!
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