Day 144: Promises Take Time

24 May, 2015

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Sunday, May 24th, 2015
CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
2 Samuel 4:1-6:23
John 13:31-14:14
Psalm 119:17-32
Proverbs 15:31-32
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Commentary from Pastor Mike White:

David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. – 2 Sam 5:4

David was believed to be between the ages of 12 and 16 when Samuel first anointed him as King of Israel (1 Sam 16:13). But he had to wait until he was 30 years old to become King of Judah (2 Sam 2:4). Then he had to wait another seven years and six months before becoming king over all Israel and Judah (2 Sam 5:4). When all was said and done, the fullness of God’s promise took between 22 and 26 years to unfold!

Any promise worth receiving takes time. David knew that God waited for his own good: He would not make David king until David was ready. The people thought David was ready: ever since he killed Goliath, they sang his praises (1 Sam 18:7). David’s friends thought he was ready: they encouraged him to take Saul’s life twice (1 Sam 24 & 1 Sam 26) to take the throne. But David knew better. He refused to stretch out his hand and harm God’s anointed leader. He refused to take the throne of Israel until God declared it was time.

What has God promised you? Stay patient. It took David many years to become king. Jesus didn’t perform a single miracle until He was over 30 years old. God’s promises take time, no matter who you are! He waits on purpose, and He does it for our own good.

Prayer:

Father, help me to stay patient. I want to hold out for the fullness of Your promise for my life. I won’t settle for a counterfeit, and I won’t give up. Strengthen me to wait patiently, in Jesus’ name!