“I want it, and I want it NOW” No…I’m not quoting a two year old…I’m thinking of my own responses to situations in my life. Patience may be a virtue BUT man is it hard to live by. I remember back to when I was a kid and the presents would be wrapped and under the tree, I just couldn’t leave them alone, when my family would be gone I would open mine, play with whatever may be inside and then re-wrap it and put it back under the tree!

This weekend at Alive we focused more closely on Romans 15:4…and waiting PATIENTLY on God’s promise was one of the points that stuck out to me like a sore thumb. PATIENCE…really?!?! I want the courage and hope that Romans 15:4 talks about BUT I don’t want to wait for it, I want it NOW!

When I read the bible I find so many of the people that had so much faith in God’s promises! Abraham is one that stands out…God even said in Romans 4:20-21 “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew strong and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.”

How can I be MORE LIKE THAT! How can I walk in full conviction that God WILL deliver on what HE promises? I’m the type of guy that is really slowly convinced, that can be a problem when it comes to trusting God’s promises about provision, health, safety, family, work, the list could go on and on! It’s hard to be convinced that God really cares about EVERY LITTLE THING in our lives and that if we trust Him, He will provide for our needs! That can seem like a trite statement, especially when you are struggling through something.

Now, how can I get to the place where I am fully convinced about all of God’s promises!? First, I have to KNOW God’s promises! God’s promises are all over the bible, commit to read it and highlight every single promise you find! Upon finding a promise, SPEAK IT! Letting God’s promises be the “talk” going on inside our head and also in our conversations will help us be more in tune with the truth that GOD CAN SUPPLY ALL OUR NEEDS according to His riches in heaven. Lastly, we must ACT ON God’s promises. James 1:22 tells us “but don’t just listen to God’s word, you must DO WHAT IT SAYS. Otherwise you are only fooling yourselves”.

INFORMATION really doesn’t matter as much as APPLICATION!!!!!!!! We need to do what the Bible says!

WE MAKE A DECISION to trust GOD Fully and Completely….He helps us have the patience to do it! Let’s read our key verse for this series again! Romans15: 5-6 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.  Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.