In the Bible, we find many promises of God for specific individuals at a particular time in their lives. Some of these promises are eternal and still has the power to transform our lives by faith.
In Genesis, we read that God made a promise to bless Abraham with a son by Sarah his wife. The promise was sure, but it took about 25 years before it was fulfilled. Again, in Genesis, we also read of how God appointed Joseph to be ruler among his brothers. The dream he had was sure, but the journey to that end was nothing he could have imagined. In the book of Samuel, we read of how David was anointed king when he was only a young boy. The promise was true, but the journey took him many years filled with excitement, fear, anxiety, joy, and times where it seemed he was too far from the promise and his destination. Paul the Apostle also had a similar experience when he was accused of preaching against the law and the temple, and was subsequently arrested and beaten in Jerusalem (Acts 21). The Bible says that, “The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” Acts 23:11.
Paul’s destination was Rome, but the journey took him at least 2 years, some spent in prison, some spent testifying and presenting his case before the rulers, and some whilst shipwrecked (etc).
The point is: when God makes us a promise or lays before us a vision, often, we have our own ideas of how we see things planning out without any stress or hiccups. But for our own benefit, the lessons along the way are equally important as the destination. So, in spite of what you may be going through, the promises of God and your destination is sure. In the stormy times and moments of bewilderment, hold on to God’s promises and trust in his faithfulness.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Jeremiah 29:11
Be encouraged!
Blessings,
Chris Eke
