Lesson: Principal of Sowing and Waiting
Author: Mark Stusek
Date: 5/4/08
Gal. 6:7
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”
Our focus today is not going to be centered around natural/spiritual behaviors
(Gal 6:16-23); but the patience and timing it takes to receive the proper outcomes.
Question: What is the outcome of tearing up your flower bed or garden before
it has a chance to blossom? You receive nothing: no flowers, vegetables or
fruit.
I. Patience in Your Circumstances
Psalm 37:23
1. God is a God of design. Therefore, He arranges the circumstances of our
lives and works to draw us closer to Him. The Lord has a schedule for how
He will answer our prayers/goals.
2. The first requirement God has for us prior to meeting our schedule is very
simple:
Deut: 6:5
“Love the Lord with your whole heart, soul and mind.”
Matt 6:33
“ Seek Him first and His ways.”
Psalm 37:4
“Delight in Him.”.
3. If we become impatient or try to take control of our lives, there can be
destructive consequences to our actions. Many today can provide evidence
of this fact.
II. Do Not Lose Hope
I Cor. 2:9-12
1. Our eye has not seen or ear heard all that God has prepared for us who love
Him.
2. God does not want us to guess about what may or may not lie ahead for us.
That’s why He has given us His Word and Spirit to help us understand what
He wants revealed.
3. Lance Armstrong had a defining gift. He could ride a bicycle like the wind.
At age 13, he won the Iron Kids Triathlon and became a professional at
age 16. He trained with the Olympic Team when he was a senior in high
school.
By 1996, he was the top ranked cyclist in the world. In October of 1996,
his doctors gave him the stunning news he had testicular cancer; moreover,
the cancer had spread into his lungs and brain. Chance of recovery was less
than 50%.
He started aggressive chemotherapy treatments, which did not damage his
lungs. In 1999, he entered the greatest bike race known to man, the Tour
De France. Armstrong astonished the world, first by entering the race,
second, by winning it. Even more incredible was he won the race for the
next six years!
III. Four Requirements to Achieve God’s Timing
1. You must humble yourself before Him.
A. Humility before honor.
B. We must agree with God that He is right about His timing, His plan,
and even about any sin He has revealed in our lives.
Consultant Marshall Goldsmith says research shows that business
leaders have a high and largely unjustified regard for their abilities.
His studies show 85% of all business leaders rate themselves in the
top 20%, even the leaders of failing companies. He states they become
delusional, unable to hear feedback that is not consistent with their own
self image.
C. Must admit God can grow what we cannot (supernatural) and He knows
how to develop us.
Question: Why do we have to admit these certain things? The answer can be
found in John 15:5:
“Apart from me, you can do nothing.”
D. Turn-over in corporate America in September, 2006 surged to its highest
level--152 chief executives left their jobs that month.
Thirteen percent had been on the job less than one year, with the average
tenure being less than six months.
2. You must have faith that He will do as He has promised you.
I Kings 8:56
A. We can wholeheartedly depend on God because He will not break His
promises.
Question: What are some promises God has given us that we have found
“truthful” in our lives?
B. David was anointed King of Israel as a teenager, but spent the next
14 years running for his life.
3. We must be patient
Psa. 27:14; Isa. 64:4
A. God is up to something very important while we wait. Remember, God
is a God of design.
Claim these promises while you wait; God is acting on our behalf.
B. Joseph had a God-given vision of blessing at age 17, but languished
13 years in slavery and prison before receiving the reward.
Question: How long will you wait for a blessing?
Gal. 6:9
C. If we are patient, we will reap good things.
D. Pablo Casals was 95 years old when a young reporter stated: “You
are the greatest cellist that ever lived. Why do you still practice six
hours a day?” To which Pablo responded, “I think I’m making progress.”
4. Must remain courageously obedient
Josh. 1:7
A. Many people wear yellow wrist bands today that state “live strong”.
They reflect the courage and vision drawn from Lance Armstrong’s life.
B. At some point, we must overcome our feelings of fear with the truth of
God’s Word.
C. God says while we are waiting for an answer/direction: “Be strong and
very courageous. Do not tremble or be dismayed, for God is with us.”