Your wait time is_________

Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27:14

About 10 years ago, we were in church on a beautiful Sabbath morning and really enjoying the service because we made it through the rainy season in Florida. When it was time for the Pastor’s remarks, he announced that he needed to make a confession to the church. The soft background music from the organ that usually accompanied his comments came to an abrupt end, and there was a hush of silence from the congregation.

I can remember saying a quick prayer for his confession not to be one from engaging in an adulterous liaison. Our Pastor proceeded to explain that he was a sole proprietor and owned a business as a Financial Investor. My mind was racing ahead of his confession, “Did he mismanage the funds from those who trusted him to make prudent investments?” Further, in the story, he confessed that he had lost $250,000 of his own money in an investment that was presented to him as lucrative with high yield returns. The lesson learned; he failed to present the financial opportunity to God and wait for His guidance.

Self-reliance is deadly, and the consequences are painful to endure. Many of us can relate to the Pastor’s experience from making an impulsive decision that ended in a financial loss. Self-gratification and acting immediately without thinking about the outcome are acceptable weaknesses of character and is prevalent in our society. We have been influenced by our environment to “get rich quick” or “do it now before someone else seizes the opportunity” mindset. We congratulate ourselves on the ability to pursue our desires by any means necessary. The thrill from Instant gratification is addicting and causes us to feel empowered, but in the end, this habit leads us to travel down a sorrowful path.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Even in laughter, the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow. Proverbs 14:12-13

We are living in perilous times, times that require the intervention of a power higher than ourselves. There is nothing that we can eat, drink, or buy that will provide the peace that God freely gives to those who love and serve Him. This is not the time in earth’s history to learn from experience, mistakes can cost us our lives.

Do not let the opinions of others lead you astray. Even if you have never attended church, read the Bible, or acknowledged that the invisible God is approachable. Today is a new day, and you can begin a new life through Jesus Christ. All it takes is a simple and honest prayer, “God, I really don’t know who you are, but I need to know you, and I repent of my sins and accept you as my personal Savior. Amen.”

The newborn baby begins life helpless on its back, entirely dependent on its caregivers. Within one year, the baby progresses to the toddler stage, can hold their bottle, feed themselves finger foods, walks with or without assistance, and has a vocabulary of 3-4 words. The focus is not on how many words they can speak, healthy growth and development is assessed by the ability to understand spoken words.

At some point, the baby has the knowledge to get up off of the floor, stands to its feet and takes the first step to walk upright. And then, a new phase of development begins, and they discover that they can run. Yes, they will continue to fall throughout the stages of their physical and mental development. But eventually, they learn to avoid the pitfalls that prevent them from standing tall.

The transition to becoming a believer is not an easy one. It is one that involves tests and trials, and we must endure suffering.

Now the benefits: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.… Jeremiah 29:11-12

1. We gain a Spiritual team, God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Angels who are available for us 24/7. John 14:1

2. A measure of faith is given to every believer. Our faith will achieve endless growth and development when we are wholly dependent on God by believing, trusting, and obeying Him under all circumstances. Hebrews 11

3. We never have to make another mistake with any of our life decisions. Pray and wait. Psalm 40:1

3. We experience a worry-free life complete with peace, joy, and happiness. Our focus is on the blessing of a new day, and we know that God is our provider. Matthew 6:19-34

4. We can look forward to immortality in a New Heaven and New Earth when Jesus comes again. Revelation 22

When we pray, Jesus intercedes for us, and all of the heavenly beings are waiting to assist in our earthly journey. Always pray, in good times, and in perilous times; Our prayers with pleas for help are never unheard or unanswered. I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Isaiah 65:24

Stay at Home, Shelter-in-Place, the pandemic, civil unrest, limited money, hunger, or thirst; God is still here!

No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.… Romans 8:37-39

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the written permission of the author.