Heavenly Father, give us the wisdom to walk in two worlds. Help us to recognize the movements of the spirit, and sew peace where the enemy would create strife. Open my eyes to see Your vast kingdom which exists in the invisible realm. Remind me in my daily activities to keep Your presence and power in the forefront of my mind. Divert my gaze from the problems or issues that I can see to the root which lies hidden behind them so that I may overwhelmingly conquer through Christ Jesus my Lord.

We are to be shut out from men, and shut in with God.

>Philippians 4:6-7

We have become so accustomed to this hurried world that we've begun to demand speed in our spiritual life too. However, God "acts on behalf of those who wait for him" (Isa. 64:4 niv). Wise believers endure until the fruits of His labor appear.

In this devotion, we'll look at three reasons believers are called upon to wait. First, God may be preparing us to receive His blessings. Perhaps we need new skills or greater maturity. Sometimes people require fresh spiritual insight before their hands are ready to hold what their hearts desire. For example, David waited years to sit on his appointed throne. But when he did, he was a wise, strong, and battle-tested king.

Second, the Father is often teaching His children to have confidence in Him. How would believers ever learn faith if God immediately fulfilled their every request? In my own life, the Lord has often said two words: "Trust Me." And He has never been late to meet my needs. No matter how we justify rushing ahead of God, doing so amounts to saying, "I don't trust You."

Finally, the Lord will at times withhold blessing to protect us from harm we can't see. We may never find out what caused the delay. But be assured that God examines the object of our desire closely before placing it in our hands.

Waiting is rarely easy, particularly in this instant-everything world. But rushing ahead of the Lord short-circuits His plan. Believers who do are left unsatisfied, and they often must live with terrible consequences. Be patient while the Lord works out details. His best is on the way.

Dr. Charles Stanley.

It was at the airport, I was about to pass through the passage to the waiting hall when I saw a bookstand with many books on display. Of all the volumes only on little pamphlet caught my attention. Boldly written in red was the caption, ‘’IT’S A SERIOUS MATTER’’.

I paid for a copy and thereafter boarded the aircraft while asking myself what this serious matter could be, I curiously began to read, and this was the content:
There was this very prosperous city on an island. Everything went on fire for its inhabitants. Their political climate was most suitable and their economic policies were excellent. But one day, they woke up to discover that the sea around them was overflowing its bank at an alarming rate. Immediately, the government summoned all the inhabitants of the city to the harbour for evacuation.

All the people who went to the harbour were conducted into a waiting ship and were safe. But many others refused to leave the island. Some could not imagine leaving their beautiful houses, exotic and expensive cars, and choice possessions they had acquired over time. Others simply feigned ignorance of what was happening around them. Yet others claimed they were islanders and export swimmers and so, would swim across if the worst happened.