It takes time
While it is possible to go forward in big strides in the service of the LORD, many times, the LORD build up His people and teaches them in the art of waiting for Him and to be properly trained.
Look at the life of Joseph: He was only 17 when God revealed to him of his future greatness. But he was 30 when he stood before the Pharaoh. This means that he spent 13 years in silent sufferings – being unwanted and sold, imprisoned, tempted and tested, forgotten and so on.
He must have had a lot to complain about during this time, but God was with him and he moved on faithfully, unwavering (Gen. 39:2-5; 21-32). He learnt to humble himself, and to draw near to God and wait upon Him.
Today’s generation is a generation that is always in a hurry. We race to get where we want to at the shortest possible time. We compete to become the fastest in every field. We have developed machines and computers to do our works more efficiently so we would be saving time and get things done faster. Influenced by all these new developments, we also think that God would also be in a hurry in all things.
If we suffer, we tend to lose hope and become frustrated. But it is important to know that to become someone great, to become a great leader and teacher or ruler, we cannot become one overnight.
Mushrooms develop overnight and disappear the same time they took to develop. God does not want us to become like mushrooms – growing overnight and fading in the morning; He wants mature people.
Isaiah 40:31 says, “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
