God’s promises inspire hope. Do we have faith until he fulfils?
We live in two worlds- embracing current reality and simultaneously being prepared.
When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. [Psalm 105:12-13NIV]
The patriarchs wandered Palestine holding to a promise that they would be a great nation, all the while while having nothing to show for it. How did they achieve it? They believed God.
He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings: … [Psalm 105:14-15NIV]
God was faithful. He protected them from abusive kings even when they succumbed to fear in their doubts.
He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food and he sent a man before them – Joseph, sold as a slave. [Psalm 105:16-17NIV]
Things seemed to go backwards. The son Isaac hoped in was sold as a slave.
Famine tests our resolve we look for consolations elsewhere, sometimes good things, sometimes not so good. It is good to live in current reality, but not to let go of what God has promised.
It is hard to appreciate that God might be manoeuvring his servant into the optimum position.
… till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the Lord proved him true. The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free. [Psalm 105:19-20NIV]
What has he promised you? Can you faithfully wait for him?