I can’t speak for the world, but I’m pretty positive that no one enjoys waiting. You might enjoy whatever you do to keep your mind off of waiting, but the lengthy process itself is almost never fun.
Think about Moses and the Israelites’ 40 year trek through the wilderness. Time and time again we see the nation become ablaze with faith, and then falter due to the delayed process of entering the Promised Land. The toxic idea here being that God is taking so long to do what He said He would and therefore that must mean one of two things: 1) He forgot about me or 2) He is not God anymore. Both resulting in turning to other false gods for help.
It sounds harsh, but those are the doubtful thoughts that can develop out of impatience and a loss of endurance.
When we forget who God is, we believe the lie that He forgot about us.
A loss of truth becomes a loss of faith.
To avoid going on a downward spiral to mental and physical chaos, you must counteract those lies with truth. And if you’re already in that boat surrounded by disorder, let this be your reinstalled anchor of hope to the One who has never abandoned you.
God is still God. His plans are still good. Nothing and no one can stop the fulfillment of His promises.
“‘And of all my sons (for the Lord has given me many sons) He has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. Now He said to me, ‘It is your son Solomon who shall build My house and My courts; for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his Father.Moreover I will establish his kingdom forever, if he is steadfast to observe My commandments and My judgments, as it is this day.’” – (2 Chronicles 28:5-7 NKJV)
God called David a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22). Despite his sinful ways, God chose David to be king of Israel. That alone is encouraging to the rest of us wretches saved by grace. In this passage, David discusses the promise God spoke to him regarding his son, Solomon, becoming the next king. David had many sons, but God promised Solomon to be heir of the throne. Solomon was a man born of David and Bathsheba whose very relationship was founded on adultery and murder. It wasn’t his fault, but according to the Law the sins of the father are passed down to the next generations (Dueteronomy 5:9). However, God is good and His mercy triumphs His judgment (James 2:13). What better way to show that, than to bring favor, blessings, riches and the Messiah out the line of sinful, yet repentant David? It all points to Jesus and what He has to offer us.
God is still a good God.
“Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.” – (1 Kings 1: 5)
Adonijah is one of Solomon’s many older brothers. A few verses later he is described as being ‘very handsome’. He’s older, he’s attractive, and he’s got more followers. So Adonijah sets himself up as king while David is laying in bed from his advanced, old age. Adonijah invites all of the brothers, not including Solomon, and all of the royal officials to his ‘I just usurped the throne‘ party.
Have you ever been left out by your family or friends? Solomon can relate! The Bible doesn’t talk about how Solomon feels here, but I can imagine it’s intimidated, doubtful and afraid. He doesn’t stand up for himself while his promised throne is sabotaged. He is guessed to be around 10-13 years old at the time and his mom, Bathsheba, goes to battle for him! Hooray for momma bears! Bathsheba tells David what Adonijah is doing, and David immediately swears Solomon to be the true king. He has Solomon anointed king and put on his own donkey to ride through town proclaimed as the true King.
“Then Zadok the priest took a horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. And they blew the horn, and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!“And all the people went up after him; and the people played the flutes and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth seemed to split with their sound.” – (1 Kings 1:39-40 NKJV)
God’s party for Solomon doesn’t compare to Adonijah’s party for himself. The pretender doesn’t stand against the real deal. The darkness can’t overcome the light. The lies will never overrule the truth
God’s promise for Solomon to be king was never compromised. Even when Adonijah appeared to be king in his place, God had a plan. Solomon didn’t have to lift a finger to combat his overthrown throne. God did the work for him.
Even when the odds seem against you, when everyone seems to have abandoned you, when the victory seems to be given to your enemy, the Lord is still at work on your behalf. Nothing and no one can stop the fulfillment of God’s promises in your life.
Regardless of what you see, don’t lose hope in the God who said He would move your mountains. You need only be still & have faith the size of a mustard seed. Surround yourself with Jesus-seeking people who will love you & fight for your behalf. Pray without ceasing. Don’t give up. Stay the course! Press in! The victory is yours.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV
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