THE PATIENCE TEST, NO. 6

When you consider the many great promises and blessings that come to those who patiently wait on God, it's amazing that there are so few who actually do it. This is the weakest point of our humanity. The spirit is quick to acknowledge the need to be patient and wait upon God at all times, but the flesh is weak. We try to cover this weakness up by offering to God at least one hour per week of church entertainment, and even that is somewhat boring to the flesh of many.

To be honest, I think we would be astounded and ashamed of ourselves if we took time to consider the great victories we could win if we would spend more time waiting upon God.

Hosea 12:3-6: "He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God: yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us; even the Lord of hosts, the Lord is his memorial. Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and WAIT ON THY GOD CONTINUALLY."

This passage reminds Israel of what happened in their beginnings when Jacob fought with the angel all night long and refused to let him go until he received the blessing. At this point his name was changed to Israel, which means "as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." Jacob knew what it meant to wait upon God even when it meant wrestling with God all night (Genesis 32:24-30).

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell