Don't give up on God's promise too soon

We live in a culture that expects immediate results. We can order food, stream entertainment and communicate with people around the world in seconds. Unfortunately, many people bring those same expectations into their relationship with God.

When God gives direction, a calling or a promise, we often expect to see it fulfilled within days or months. Yet throughout the Bible, God's timeline is frequently measured in years and sometimes even decades.

Consider Joseph. As a young man, he received a dream from God showing that he would one day rule over his brothers. Instead of stepping into leadership immediately, Joseph was betrayed by his own family, sold into slavery, falsely accused and imprisoned. Thirteen years passed before he was elevated to a position of authority in Egypt.

David's story is similar. The prophet Samuel anointed him to be king of Israel, yet David spent more than a decade running for his life from King Saul before ever sitting on the throne God had promised him.

These stories reveal an important truth: God often reveals the calling before He prepares the person who will carry it.

Many people mistake God's preparation for God's absence. When difficulties arise or progress seems slow, they assume they have missed God's will. In reality, God may be doing some of His most important work during the waiting season.

Character, humility, patience, wisdom and faith are rarely developed overnight. The leaders God uses most effectively are often those who have endured seasons of testing and preparation.

The waiting season is not a wasted season.

If God has placed a promise, calling or dream in your heart, do not abandon it simply because it has not happened yet. Continue to trust Him, remain faithful and allow Him to shape you through the process.

God reveals the calling, then shapes the called.

The same God who was faithful to Joseph and David remains faithful today. His timing may not always match our expectations, but His plans are always worth the wait.

Pastor Scott Acklin ministers at New Fire Ministries.