Waiting...Never Easy but Necessary!

I was asking God to give me a verse from the Bible which will re-affirm the promises He has given me and at the same time help me write today’s devotion. I believe that there is no other verse more appropriate than this key verse:

 

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

The bible compares God’s words to something we can relate to…the rain and the snow. We have all learned the cycle of water during our school days. Even though the cycle continues, each rain drop falls into this earth with a purpose. We probably can’t see what it does on this earth. All that we see is the tangible and visible results of its efforts. It waters the earth and brings flowers, fruits, grains, vegetables and all the green that we see around us. That one tiny drop of rain or snow that falls on the ground has its part in making this earth so beautiful.

God reminded me that the words that He has spoken to us are like that. You might have received the promises from God while you were dry, thirsty, and in need. In the same manner, this earth received a rain drop while it was dry. Now you are in that period of waiting; waiting to see your promise fulfilled. You are waiting to see that tiny bud, but remember there is a process behind it. You may not see or understand everything that is happening around you, but in due time, the bud will spring forth. It will produce its fruit in its appointed time.

 

In the Old Testament, we read that God showed Joseph many visions about him becoming the ruler over his brothers. Did that happen in a day’s time? Between the visions and the actual fulfillment of the promise, lots of things had to happen according to God’s plan. Joseph falling into the pit did not prevent the promise from being fulfilled. While he was at Potiphar’s house and in the Pharaoh’s jail, God was still training him for the promise.

 

God wants to remind you that His words will not return to Him empty; it will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent. You might not see it right now, but it’s working out its purpose. God is training you, preparing others, changing your environment, creating new opportunities and is cleaning out the toxicity from your life. If God has promised you a ministry so that you will be a channel to bring forth salvation to the ends of the earth, He will do so. Every encouraging letter you write, every exhortation you say, every devotion you post, every message you speak will not go in vain. You might not see the people you are influencing or the changes you are making in their lives through Jesus Christ, but it will perform its purpose.  And one day, you will see many saved across the world through your efforts. Let me encourage you with this verse from the bible: “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. ” (Habakkuk 2:3)

Steadfast!