“God is never late but rarely early.” (Larry Burkett) Mr. Burkett made this statement in connection with God’s financial provision but the principle applies to all of life. God’s time table is determined by His sovereign purpose not our impatience. I admit that sometimes it seems our journey to revival and spiritual renewal is moving at a snail’s pace. But God in His infinite wisdom knows exactly the right time to answer our prayers and pour out His Spirit upon us. Our need for patience as we wait for God to do all He promised is shared in the context of Christ’s second coming in Hebrews 10:36-38.
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”
One factor that can mislead us is how evil seems to be growing stronger. Isn’t that a sign we’re moving away from a blessing from God? The prophet Isaiah described the evil condition of his day by saying, “Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street and equity cannot enter. So truth fails” (Isaiah 59:14-15). This sounds like a description of our day, does it not? But the prophet goes on to talk about God’s desire for His people to pray and His determination to fight for righteousness. As always, the enemy moved to resist what God was doing just as he does today. That’s when God gave this great promise.
“When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him. The Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob.” Isaiah 59:19-20
God hears our prayers for revival. God sees our repentant hearts. It’s not that our repentance is complete but that we have repented of what we know to repent of and continue to have a repentant spirit. It is in this light that God gives a clear and unmistakable promise. He will come to those who turn from transgression.
Sometimes we can fall into the awful state Israel was in when they said, “It is useless to serve God” (Malachi 3:14). But we have need of patience! God has heard our cries. He sees our hearts. He knows our state. And He promises He will come to us.
Lets not become weary in well doing for “in due season we will reap” if we do not quit (Galatians 6:9). Now is not the time for discouraged retreat but faithful advance! God knows what He’s doing and He is absolutely trustworthy. He may not come when we think He should but He will come. So, don’t quit! Don’t give up! The divine visitation is coming!
“And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:7-8
With expectation,
Pastor Dan
