Any Day Now
Ok ok...I know it’s been a while since we have last gathered and if you’re like me I’m sure life has been extremely busy life’ng. I pray that in the midst of whatever life has been throwing your way you are productive, healthy, and in good spirits. Here is where I pause to welcome you…If you’re new here let me take this opportunity to say hello, I am delighted to have you and if you are returning welcome back I am elated you’re here as well. So now that we have that out of the way let’s get ready to begin..(if you’ve been here before you know the drill) find a quiet spot, grab your favorite snacks, your favorite beverage, a pen, some paper and let’s dive right in. Now that you’re ready sit up straight plant your feet firmly on the floor, breathe through your nose and slowly exhale through your mouth (repeat as many times as needed until you feel focused and relaxed) and let’s begin.
There are so many of us that have been in what feels like a constant place of turmoil, lack, repeated cycles of empty (and/or) broken promises, and a long trail of tears that we begin to lose hope in the promises God has made us. We begin to feel like we have been abandoned and disappointed for so long that despair becomes our resting place. We start to question if this “Jesus thing” is really for us or if we should just handle things our own way (which always ends up worse). It becomes almost impossible to hold on to faith when is seems like you keep facing an all you can eat buffet of disappointment. But I would like to challenge our thinking for a moment. How you fair during your time of trials depends on your perspective. Do we hold on to what God said or do we look at the situation with our natural eyes? Do we speak God’s word over our situation or do we just quit prematurely? Think about the story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33). Peter stepped out of the boat onto the water, as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus he was able to keep going but the minute he took his eyes off of him he started to drown. I know in that moment it seems impossible to see that the situation(s) will work out in our favor. But that is when you have to have EXTREME confidence God won’t fail you.
I was thinking about Isaiah 40:31 “But those that wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Can we discuss the significance of the eagle for a moment? Eagles signify inspiration, release from bondage, victory, longevity, speed, pride, and royalty. The eagle is the bravest and strongest of all birds. (By now you should be feeling a little stronger and confident you’re coming out of whatever you’re facing).
• Eagles fly alone at high altitudes. (They understand that bringing others along on their journey may be a liability)
• Eagles have strong vision. (They are observant and always on high alert. They can see their enemy approaching)
• Eagles don’t eat dead things (They are hunters which means they aren’t lazy and they study their opponent. We need to know how to defeat the devil when he comes up against us)
• Eagles love the storm (It’s during our “storms that we get to see exactly what we are made of. It’s when our instincts kick in)
• Eagles tests before it trusts (They are discerning not everyone is for you)
• Eagles invest in training others
• Eagles rejuvenate (They have the ability to bounce back)
The Posture While We Wait:
1. We don’t complain about how long we have been waiting. We maintain a posture of gratitude and thanksgiving. We speak God’s word back to him.
2. We don’t become envious of those around us that might be getting blessed with what we are waiting for. We rejoice with them because we know any day now it’s going to be our turn.
3. We use this as an opportunity to self-reflect. We need to ensure our current delay isn’t because of something we did or haven’t done yet. Is your current situation a result of a self-inflicted action(s)?
4. We speak about our situation as if it is already done. We only utilize faith talk. Remember faith over fear!
5. We build ourselves up through prayer, psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. We fill ourselves with things that help increase our faith.
6. Don’t keep talking about what you are going through. The more we talk about it the more we begin to feel defeated. Every listening ear is not one that will pray you through. Some are merely listening to gossip about you. Be sure to surround yourself with people that can build you up and speak life into you when you feel like you have none left.
7. Be careful of the words you speak. Your words carry power. The right words yield the right results. You are what you speak.
8. Prepare for what you have been petitioning God for. You can’t properly maintain something you aren’t equipped to handle. This will require us to rid ourselves of some old things in order to receive what we are expecting from God.
9. When you receive what you have been waiting for be humble. Use wisdom in what you share and with whom everyone isn’t happy for you. Remember everything doesn’t need an announcement.
10. Don’t talk yourself out of what you asked for. You are deserving of all the blessings God has for you. NO SELF SABOTAGING!!
Amos 9:13 MSG “Yes indeed, it won’t be long now. God’s Decree. Things are going to happen so fast your head will swim, one thing fast on the heels of the other. You won’t be able to keep up. Everything will be happening at once- and everywhere you look blessings”!
While the waiting period is never comfortable we must remain confident that God will perform what he said. We must remember the things we experience in our lives are only for a season (seasons change). Look at nature…while one season may be more enjoyable for you each season prepares us for something new. No matter what season you find yourself in find comfort and joy that any day now God is showing up for you! Get ready to experience a never ending sequence of blessings that will cause your barns to overflow. The blessings are going to be so gigantic that the people around you will experience the residue of your blessings. Don’t quit prematurely because things seem too hard for you. God is with you and is waiting at the finish line for you. Keep living everyday as if it is your any day (right now).
Study:
I Peter 5:10-11 MSG
Psalm 34:6
Psalm 27:14
Luke 6:38
Romans 4:21
