And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. (Hebrews 6:15, ESV)
As a college golf coach, I have arguably one of the greatest jobs on the planet. I don’t play golf often, but when I do, it is a reminder to practice what I preach. I tell my girls to stay focused for 20 seconds as they commit to their shot and stick with it until the shot is finished. Twenty seconds. Sadly, I sometimes only focus for about 15 seconds before thinking, I should email that person later, I don’t think I ever responded to that text or call, etc. Staying focused on the shot or task at hand is of utmost importance, but it also takes training, focus, and faithfulness.
What a struggle it is to be present! We can always be connected, accomplishing several things at a time, thanks to the handy computers/phones we always have on us. Even golf carts come with chargers nowadays. A round of golf has enough challenges of its own, with fighting off thoughts of that dogleg on number seventeen when you’re only on the sixth. Friend, be where your feet are. That tee shot will come; for now, home in on the putt in front of you.
As much as I’d like to think we wrestle with patience more than people in prior generations, the story of Abraham and Sarah is just one example of staying patient, faithful, and in the moment. As a planner, I relate to Sarah. Her husband Abraham had been told that through him all the families of the earth would be blessed. Yet it took 25 years from the time that promise was made until God fulfilled it. Sarah got antsy during those years and after about 10 of them told Abraham to sleep with her maidservant Hagar, so they would have an offspring (Ishmael). But God still had plans for Abraham and Sarah to have their own child, which they eventually did (Isaac). If you are not familiar with the story of Abraham, please check it out in Genesis 12-25.
Though there were hiccups along the way, Abraham consistently responded to the voice of God by trusting and obeying.I share this with you today because our ancestors had their own difficulties in waiting on God’s timing. Sarah and Abraham’s actions revealed shortcomings, but ultimately God was faithful to them. Though there were hiccups along the way, Abraham consistently responded to the voice of God by trusting and obeying. God’s grace and sovereignty was greater than Abraham’s faults.
Twenty-five years Sarah and Abraham waited for what was promised, and yet I want my prayers answered in the next hour! See how much I have to learn from them? God is able to answer instantly, but we are called to be faithful in serving and living for the Lord each day, no matter how long his answers take. Even when we’re not sure what he’s doing, we can trust that he’s doing exactly what’s needed.
The next time your mind starts to wander towards all the things ahead on the course or the day, month or year, I encourage you to pray and cry out to the God who hears, sees and knows all. Jesus was the ultimate example of faithfulness and because of his obedience to the Father, you and I have reason to rejoice today!
—
Aimee Neff
October 17, 2019
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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
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