Dangers of Hope Deferred

During loss and wounding, we have a tendency to accuse God for the trauma we are experiencing. The power of this accusation leads to a type of fatherlessness. Instead of experiencing the spirit of adoption, we feel abandoned and lost. From our self-defense we actually form a rebellion to authority. We also become unteachable. We have a mind-set that says, "No one understands me or what I am going through."

We also begin to think there is no solution to our problem. We fall into apathy because we have no hope of healing or restoration. Hope deferred happens when we begin with an expectation that God will break through. We face a test, and our shield of faith is in place, but we have assumed that God would act in a certain way and in a certain time frame. The time we have established comes, but we don’t see the answer.

The fulfillment of our hope is deferred. We find ourselves continuing to wait for a breakthrough, but as we wait we grow tired and become discouraged. Our heart feels sick. Satan tells us that the breakthrough will never come.

In the midst of hope deferred, our shield of faith seems like a heavy burden to carry. The temptation is to lay it down. But if we let go of our faith, we can miss the promise. It is not enough to start out in faith; we must continue along the path, taking each step in faith. And we must be patient.

Faith + Patience = Promises Received

Many of us have been taught that we receive God’s promises by faith. That is true, but it is only half the equation. The Bible teaches that we inherit God’s promises through faith and patience. Faith alone is not enough. We have to have faith that lasts, a faith that endures, a faith that stands the test. Abraham waited. Jesus waited. We too must learn to wait.

Hope deferred strikes when we allow delay to bring discouragement. God’s picture of answered prayer is not a vending machine but a harvest. We have a need, so we sow our faith in the good soil of God’s promise. As we sow, we nurture and water our promise until the time of harvest. When the time of harvest has fully come, we reap base upon what we have sown!

Extracted from "Restoring Your Shield of Faith" by Chuck Pierce and Robert Heidler

Hello Peoples!!

Wishing You All a Happy Chinese New Year!! Hope that you all have a great time with your loved ones!

I remember how we used to celebrate CNY, coming from a family where dad was a China man - born in Beijing. We had to decorate the home with "ang pows." Aargh!! We had to "Pong Cha" (offer them a cup of tea), from the elders (my sis, to the youngest) on the first day of the New Year, to get our Ang Pows from Dad and Mum.. a tradition we kept until Dad went to be with the Lord.

Just a reminder that it is a good time to strengthen the bond with our family members..and that you be blessed with lots of Ang Pows! ;)

Have a good time!!

Love,

Jo