So many of us are holding out hope for a promise from the Lord. For some of us that is a personal word that God spoke to us, and for others it can be straight out Scripture (God is my provider). Either way, in the waiting, especially when the season is long, it can be easy to lose hope for what God has told us.
1. Don’t get discouraged just because it’s hard (in the waiting and in partnering with Him)
- “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance, and perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1.2-4
- “In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world!” John 16.33
Jesus makes us a promise that we WILL have trouble, but that in that not to lose sight of the fact that He has still overcome. In my Bible next to that verse, I wrote in the words “We Win!” and that brings courage to my heart when things are hard. Even now, He is making a way where there seems to be no way. He is working things together on your behalf. He, who knows the end from the beginning, is weaving things together for your promise to come to pass. Sometimes God moves supernaturally and causes your promise to happen, like you get pregnant or you meet the love of your life and get married. Other times it’s an opportunity to co-labor with Him, step out in faith and journey together with him to see your promise come to fruition. Even though I don’t make it a practice to focus on what the enemy is doing, he knows your destiny too, and because of that you may encounter some turbulence as you walk it out. Don’t lose hope!
When things get hard, it’s time to press in, and press through. If God has called you there, there is grace to accomplish what He’s calling you to. Grab on to the grace. You are not alone!
- 2. Keep your Promise before you
- “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10.17
- “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12.2
- “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18.21
Words create worlds. Words have the power to create, just as God spoke and formed the earth. Believe in the power of your words and choose them intentionally. Write out your promise and keep it ever before you. Put it on your mirror, and READ IT OUT LOUD every day. Renew your mind with the truth of the word from the Lord every day. Faith comes by hearing, and speaking it out is one way we can renew our mind with truth. We hear ourselves more than anyone else, so make sure that you hear yourself speaking the truth of your promise. If you are struggling with doubt, this is also a good way to move into faith. If God said it, He is faithful. Hebrews 10.23 says that “He who promised is faithful.” Make it real. If you are struggling to get pregnant, but God told you that you would be a mother, then declare that over yourself. “I am a mother.” It’s so easy to forget or lose sight of what God has said to us in the midst of walking it out, especially if we encounter difficulty or trial along the way. Keep your promise before you, and renew your mind with that truth.
3. Thank God (as if it’s already happened)
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4.6-7
- “But without faith it is impossible to please Him,” Hebrews 11.6
It’s easy to give thanks after God does something, but it’s an act of FAITH to give God thanks before He moves. We know that gratitude is powerful, and it unlocks something in the spirit realm. Stand in faith, believing your promise from God-that He is working on your behalf and working all things together for your good (Romans 8.28). Intentionally give God thanks for completing what He has promised you. We know that our faith pleases God because the word of God tells us that it does. So, stand in faith this day and thank God for what He’s already done as you wait to see it come to pass.
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Written by Anne E. Ballard