The Promise

… God took an oath in his own name, saying: “I will certainly bless you, and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.” Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised. —Hebrews 6:13b-15 NLT

Do you find it hard to turn the page and focus on the new year, even after the Christmas music is retired and the ornaments are stored? Me too! Looking back, however, I can see the truckload of blessings God has delivered over the past twelve months. Most encouraging was revisiting my prayer journal and recognizing the many prayers that were answered this year—after much waiting.

This prompted me to reflect on the virtues of waiting [sigh] and how we are changed as we walk by faith. “Patiently” is the way Abraham waited for Isaac—and not without detours. Hebrews tells us to wait for God patiently and by faith. In fact, Hebrews 6:12 says, “So that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (NASB).

Sluggish. Isn’t that a great word? Never before had I thought of being sluggish as contrary to patience and faith—but it is! God wants us to eagerly wait for Him to work miracles. Above all our other needs and wants, you and I are the recipients of this kind of promise-fulfilled-after-a-long-wait inheritance because we have His Spirit within us promised centuries ago. Not only that, but we also have a heavenly inheritance we look forward to—a home that is being prepared by our Lord, Jesus!

Furthermore, God has graciously made me a particular witness to His faithfulness this year: Today, I am sitting in the living room of the house we waited for (not without detours) until God said it was time. Because of this, I am overwhelmed by the words, “I will certainly bless you. … Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.”

Yes, we received what God had promised. Not just the house but peace and joy and a life of spiritual and relational abundance. Over the past twelve months, numerous guests have stayed with us for just as many reasons, including sick relatives, a new baby, vacations, holidays, weddings, and much-needed rest. In addition, our home is a place we have shared many occasions of fellowship with our church family. But the biggest surprise has been God’s gift of rest and reflection given to us to enjoy. Every morning and evening we breathe in His majesty as we survey the sunrise and sunset, and watch the deer graze, the turkeys waddle, or the eagles soar.

Still … it wasn’t that long ago that we became weary of waiting. In fact, two years ago, I wrote a blog called “What Are You Waiting For?” Here is an excerpt:

“Admittedly, there are times when I get discouraged. I lean toward skepticism and sometimes think maybe it wasn’t a vision from God. Maybe it’s just what we want. I contemplate selling the property and giving up. Other times, I want to push ahead without God’s leading, giving time a little shove. But maybe the gift isn’t the house at all. Maybe the gift is found in the waiting.”

What we would have missed if we had resisted God’s timing! But it was a real temptation. In hindsight, I see my own insecurity and lack of trust which motivated thoughts of abandoning the project. “This is too big of an ask,” I whined. “We probably didn’t hear Him correctly.”

“Wait and see,” He answered.

So, wait and see is exactly what we did. And, like any good father, our Abba, couldn’t wait to see our faces when the gift was finally revealed. In fact, as I’m writing this, the warmth of the winter sun is piercing through the windows. Perhaps God is smiling as He looks over my shoulder at this testimony of His faithfulness and goodness. Through it all, He has made my roots grow deep, and I do not fear heat or drought because He never fails to bear fruit. Whether you are waiting for health to return, a baby to be born, a house to be finished, or eternity with Jesus, take heart because waiting by faith is never in vain.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.”
—Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV

Link to my original post “What Are You Waiting For?”

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV).

Marlene McKenna

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

 Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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