PATIENCE OF ABRAHAM

And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.  Hebrews 6:25

We live in a fast-paced world with instant messaging, faxing, cell phones, fast food restaurants, and drive-thru windows.  Just about anything you need or want can be acquired much quicker than a few decades ago.  I especially enjoy drive-thru windows – fast food, the bank, the pharmacy, anything available.  The quicker I can get what I want and back on the road, the happier I am.  There are few things for which we must wait.  Patience is a virtue that many of us have forgotten.

“I will surely bless you and make your descendents as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore” (Genesis 22:17).  In Abraham’s mind, he knew he was very old, but in his heart and soul, he trusted God’s promise and continued to have faith.  Although he never saw the descendents as numerous as the stars, Abraham did receive the initial part of the promise, which was Isaac.  He did not realize the fullness of the promise, but he did receive a son through whom many descendents would follow.  Abraham never saw the promise completely fulfilled, but he did continue to live in faith until he died.  The remainder of God’s promise of descendents as numerous as the stars was not fulfilled until after Abraham’s death.

As we see with Abraham, God’s promises are not fulfilled at the drive-thru window, as we would prefer.  We must instead wait for God to fulfill His promises in His own time.  “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness (2 Peter 3:9).  Waiting is very difficult, and time seems to stand still.  However, compared to eternity, our lives are just a mere speck in time.  God knows what is best for us, and He knows the perfect moment.  “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry” (Psalms 40:1).  Do not get discouraged and think that God will not come through.  Have the patience of Abraham, and you will be blessed.