March 16, 2010

It's On The Way! Have you ever placed an order for item you really wanted or needed, notknowing exactly when it would be shipped and when it would arrive atyour doorstep? If you are like me, you probably track and try to predictits coming. The waiting is both exciting and frustrating. We areexcited because the item is ordered, but a bit frustrated because we'renot sure exactly when it will be in our hands. The day it arrives is aday of joy and celebration because the order has been fulfilled. Thefulfillment of the order brings a sense of completion and fulfillment tous. There are times like this in our spiritual lives. There are times whenwe have asked God for help in some area of our lives, and we are waitingfor His response. The "order" has been placed, but the "shipment"hasn't yet arrived. God has something to say to us about times like this. Take a look atthe words of instruction and promise He gave us about handling suchseasons: "Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say tothose with fearful hearts, 'Be strong, do not fear; your God will come...'" - Isaiah 35:3, 4 What a great reminder. God encourages us to not let waiting timesweaken or frighten us. He reminds us to stay strong. He gives us Hispromise, "your God will come!" And when God comes in response to our request for help, His arrivalchanges everything. It's wonderful to see in Isaiah 35 the promisedresults of His coming. The prophet describes all the incredible,positive changes that happen to people and places when God shows up: "And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unstop theears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannotspeak will shout and sing! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness,and streams will water the desert." - Isaiah 35:5, 6 (NLT) When God shows up in answer to our prayers, His presence transformseverything. Barren places start blossoming! Blind eyes are opened anddeaf ears are unstopped! The lame begin to leap and the speechlessbegin to speak! Refreshing streams appear in the dry, desert regions ofour lives! Have you asked God to help you in some part of your life? Have youplaced an "order" with Him for His work to be done in you or in somesituation you are facing? Believe that He had heard your request. Expect Him to come to you andyour situation. Wait patiently for His arrival. In the right season,He will show up in your life. And when He arrives, great things willhappen! Pastor Dale