Wow, how true that is! And yet, it can be EXTREMELY hard to actually implement! So I got to thinking- are there any examples of people in the Bible who lived their lives like this, and if so, how did they do it? Here are a two examples I thought of.
David. Despite being anointed king of Israel when he was young (Josephus puts the age at ten, most modern historians at 15), David didn't actually become king until he was about thirty! And even then, he was only king of Judah- it would be seven years later before he began to reign over all of Israel! How did he stay focused on the bigger picture during those years of waiting? The answer is found in Psalm 37:4- "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." When we focus on the Lord, His desires actually become OUR desires, and we can be fulfilled in serving Him! And it is amazing how many of our original desires He gives back to us in the proccess!
Joseph. When it comes to making the most of a waiting period, Joseph may be the greatest example ever of someone who found joy and fulfillment in the midst of what appeared to be absolute nothingness! Most of us would grow bitter at God if we were placed in Joseph's shoes, but Joseph didn't. How did he continue producing good fruit, even when it looked like God had forgotten about him? Joseph never lost sight of the plans God had for him- of the purpose God had for his life.
So when we are tempted to murmur and complain because we are tired of a certain situation or phase of life, let us remember to "Make the days count, rather than counting the days!"
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11)
SO GOOD!! Thanks for sharing!
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