Quotation
During my walk with Jesus, a constant feature of my life of faith, is a struggle against the forces of evil. As a Christian, I believe in the reality of spiritual warfare and the unseen realm, the unseen spiritual world.
Barry Denzil Haney, MD
Scripture
I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord More than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. Let Israel hope in the Lord: For with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
Psalm 130:5-7
Reflection
Lord knows how we all hate waiting lines! Society has a “me-first” attitude. While waiting, we often become irritable and angry. To make matters worse, there always seems to be someone who has outsmarted the “system” and moved to the front of the line. While waiting in a doctor’s office or surgical/procedure room, stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and fear are amplified, making the shortest of waiting times seemingly unbearable.
Many of the unsaved are in an endless waiting room, waiting to find something to fill the void in their heart. Many of the professors in our universities profess openly to be an atheist or agnostic, or as Bart Ehrman describes himself, “an agnostic atheist or atheistic agnostic” Here is what he professes sarcastically in a recent blog about those who are going to face God’s wrath: “That includes your family, friends, neighbors, it includes everyone who has ever lived who has not committed to follow Jesus – that is, not merely the very large majority of the human race living now but, well, everyone for all time who did not follow ‘the lamb.’ Yikes. How do I say this without seeming angry and vicious myself?”
He goes on to say, “My view of Revelation is that its ruthless, vengeful God who destroys the majority of the human race stands in sharp contrast with the God of Jesus.” Isn’t it amazing how blind an intellectual can be? Although his words sometimes ring true as in the above quotes, he still is blinded from the truth of what he says and refuses to believe in Jesus, the only way he can escape his creator God’s wrath.
All of us face seasons of waiting. Try not to be an aggressive waiter or passive waiter, instead be an active waiter. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit through prayer and study of the Word, ready to act when led by the Spirit. If you are in a season of waiting, remember God is faithful. Through prayer you will find comfort, hope and peace from the Holy Spirit. God has a plan for you. Hold on to His Word where you will discover what His will is for your life and find hope!
Illustration
Some years ago, a hydroelectric dam was to be built across a valley in New England. The people in a small town in the valley were to be relocated because the town itself would be submerged when the dam was finished. During the time between the decision to build the dam and its completion, the buildings in the town, which previously were kept up nicely, fell into disrepair. Instead of being a pretty little town, it became an eyesore.
Why did this happen? The answer is simple. As one resident said, “Where there is no faith in the future, there is no work in the present.” (Green)
Prayer
Our Heavenly Father,
We know Satan is not confined to one place,
But instead, he and his army of demons are
everywhere. Because of this we are so afraid
of the darkness! Thank you for being the source of Light
protecting us from Satan and his army of demons!
Thank you for Your Son Jesus Christ, who died for
all mankind on the Cross at Calvary so we might be saved
by grace through faith! Thank you for the hope we
gain through faith in Jesus, giving us the power to
be triumphant during our chess match with Satan!
In the precious name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior,
Amen!
Worship
God’s Waiting Room – Jackson Heights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgj7_l2Hit8
Barry
Green, Michael P. 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000. Print.