You ever have those messages that haunt you at every turn? They pop up in the latest devotional reading, the pastor’s sermon, a casual conversation with a friend. Sure the words are not exactly the same but the reoccurring theme doesn’t escape your attention. 
Perhaps He repeats these messages so that they may seep deep down into inner psyche. It’s one five letter word that chases me these days—until.
I want to know when change will come.
I want to know when can I stop.
I want to know how long should I hold on.
He doesn’t give me a clear point to turn. Instead He directs me through His word. Like a lighthouse beaconing in the night, I see flashes of the same word over and over again.
The Dangerous Consequences of Not Staying Until
The most recent flashes of until have beamed at me through the account of Saul in 1 Samuel 13:5-14. King Saul found himself in a precarious position. He was in a position of leadership, facing opposition from outside forces with a throng of fearful companions around him.
Feeling the weight of his position and being watchful of his advancing enemies, he felt compelled to make a move. Having waited the number of days the prophet Samuel had instructed without Samuel showing up at the time he expected, he decided to take matters in his own hands.
He allowed fear and the anxiousness of his men to move him from his proper position. He began to take on the role of another person. He stepped outside of his place of personal authority and anointing.
You see it is easy to stay the course when nothing is fighting against you but can you stay until?
Until what you ask. Until God’s Word has been fulfilled.
Just after Saul decided to move his position the man of promise appeared. His hasty move caused Him to lose the kingdom.
What are you failing to see to come to fruition because you are refusing to stay until the promise arrives?
Today I encourage you to not give up so soon. Stay the course. Don’t allow unfulfilled expectations and the restlessness of others to move you outside of your area of grace. God has graced each of with specific place of authority, unique gifts, and abilities.
Do you find yourself in a season of waiting? How are you finding encouragement during your wait?
Oh Wanda! I cant begin to describe the waiting “until” I have been going through. It’s been so long and I remember thinking of moving hastily but one way or the other God brings me peace and grace to hold on. Very thankful for that.
Gee, it’s good to hear from others that walking through the “until” season. I understand that temptation to try to make some things happen in our own strength. I’m grateful that God sends along His Word to strengthen us.
I love this reminder and yes I do get signs that I feel lead me, but sometimes they are vague and I wonder~ Thank you 😀
So true Ella. There are times life feels much like walking in the dark. But it’s at the moments we learn to rely on the light within.
Oh yes, I can relate! The word God has been putting in front of me all year is Wait. And, oh, that is so hard. But what’s encouraging is He’s also been reminding me that He goes before me and He is able to do so much more than I can dream or imagine. He’s working on something, it’s just not time for me to know yet.
Laura, it’s good to hear someone else is learning to embrace the “wait”. You’re right it’s not the most comfortable thing to do. I’s so grateful that He sends us words of encouragement during our seasons of waiting.
Wonderful reminder!
Yes it’s one I have been in need of lately for sure. Waiting does not always feels comfortable does it.
Wow! I wish I had heard this lesson years ago, Wanda. So many times I have pushed for answers, for resolution to a situation, or for change, when I really needed to wait UNTIL God worked things out. Fantastic devotional here, my friend!
Pam..I’m finding that I never knew that one five little letter word could be so long. This anxious heart of mind often becomes restless as I wait. I’m glad that He will continue to send me reminders of this word. I don’t want to miss out on what he has for me.