PROMISE DELAYED

And let us run with perseverance -fixing our eyes on Jesus,  Hebrews 12:1

Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran.

“To your offspring I will give this land.” “Do not be afraid, “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood Genesis 15:1-6

“The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Genesis 16:1-2

“If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!” Genesis 17

Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” 13 Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” 15 Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.” But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.” Genesis 18:9

Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. Genesis 21:6

And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. Hebrews 11:11

Lessons from Sarah

1. Don’t try to get ahead of God when He isn’t moving fast enough for you.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient… II Peter 3:9

Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Psalm 37:7

Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7

2. When you must wait, focus on what’s happening in you and not what’s happening to you.

That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. Romans 8:24-25

Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-4

Perseverance- Patient Endurance

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1

3. Even our very best doesn’t compare with what God has in mind.

Since before time began no one has ever imagined, No ear heard, no eye seen, a God like you who works for those who wait for him. Isaiah 64:4