He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform. Rom 4:20-21

Have you ever gotten tired waiting on something? Do you grow weary of the mundane repetitive processes that seem to delay a much needed or greatly desired outcome or reward? Delayed gratification is counter to many of our societal and cultural expectations. Too often we give up on a matter when things do not happen when expected and as expected. For some, delayed gratification may cause them to lose hope. The scripture passage reminds us to have faith in God’s promises and not lose hope. Hope for the child of God is through faith in the word of God. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17). And we can know from the word of God that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb 11:1). Abraham is a good example of hope based on faith. God had promised to make Abraham into a great nation (Gen 12:2). Yet, when Abraham and his wife were old and they were well beyond childbearing, and God’s promise seemed to be delayed, “he staggered not…through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.” Unlike many of us, and unlike the changing circumstances we often live in, God is faithful (1 Cor 1:9) and true to His word. With time, Abraham wondered, “Lord God, what wilt Thou give me, seeing I go childless” (Gen 15:2). If God was to keep His promise, He would need to do something soon. They couldn’t live forever. Like Abraham, we often do not understand God’s ways, and His timing, but friend, take confidence in His word and be “fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform.” Dear friend, are you abiding in God’s word? Does His word strengthen your faith in Him and give you hope? Has the word of God spoken to you to strengthen your faith and encourage your hope? Remind yourself of God’s promises, call out to Him about His promises, and remain hopeful in His word. Remember God’s promises and do not give up hope, for “God is faithful” (1 Cor 10:13) to what He has promised and is able to perform every word He promises. My friend don’t lose hope. Give glory to God and trust Him by faith in His word. Father thank You for Your love, Your faithfulness, and the promises of Your word. When time delays, help me not to grow weary, but to be “strong in faith” and not lose hope. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.