Topic: Attitude in Seasons Of Leaness
Text: Hebrews 11:8-11
Key Verse: By faith, he lived as a foreigner in the promised land, as in a strange land, living in tents [as nomads] with Isaac and Jacob, who were fellow heirs of the same promise. – Hebrews 11:9 AMP
Through the different seasons of life, Abraham never removed his eyes from his destination; even when he found himself in the promised land, he still chose to live lean to avoid becoming contented and losing expectation for a more glorious future.
Expectation always drives the waiting process; what are you expecting? How high are your goals? Is the delay telling on your faith by the expectations you now have?
Our call in life varies; God called some to be captains of hundreds while others are captains of thousands; you need to discern your destiny so that your expectations will match what God has reserved for you.
Choosing to live lean produces contentment during the season of transition; it gives you the right attitude.
As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus told him, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” – Luke 9:57-58 AMP
Jesus was not complaining about his life situation but was preparing a disciple’s heart to know that your vocation ( Call)might require seasons of leanness.
You are sustained by the vision of what God has promised when in lack. What has God promised you? What are your eyes focused on? Abraham was focused on the promise, and God brought forth the manifestation in time.
Now [in Haran] the Lord had said to Abram, “Go away from your country, And from your relatives And your father’s house To the land which I will show you; And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you [abundantly], And make your name great (exalted, distinguished); And you shall be a blessing [a source of great good to others]; And I will bless (do good for, benefit) those who bless you, And I will curse [that is, subject to My wrath and judgment] the one who curses (despises, dishonors, has contempt for) you. And in you, all the families (nations) of the earth will be blessed” – Genesis 12:1-3 AMP.
The Angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “By Myself based on Who I Am) I have sworn [an oath], declares the Lord, that since you have done this thing and have not withheld [from Me] your son, your only son [of promise], indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore, and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies [as conquerors]. Through your see,d all the nations of the earth shall be blessed because you have heard and obeyed My voice.” – Genesis 22:15-18 AMP.
What are the promises that help you stay focused during your transition? What vision do you have as you wait on God? Even Jesus needed to set his eyes on the prize as he walked the path to glory.
Looking away to the Initiator and Completer of that trusting, Yeshua — who, in exchange for obtaining the joy set before him, endured execution on a stake as a criminal, scorning the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Yes, think about him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners so that you won’t grow tired or become despondent. – Hebrews 12:2-3
JCB
There is a joy set before you; make that your focus, and don’t live a life of comparison. Endure the wait because God can be trusted to bring his promises to pass in your life.
Daily remind yourself that you are not the one to make good God’s promise; it is his part of the covenant to deliver on his promise. While you wait, make the right choices, simplify your life, and enjoy every day as they come.
Even though Abraham lived in tents, see the report his servant gave about him to Laban.
He said, “I am Avraham’s servant. Adonai has greatly blessed my master so that he has grown wealthy. He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female slaves, camels, and donkeys. – Genesis 24:34-35 JCB
He grew to become wealthy because Adonai kept his promises. Trust the Lord to keep his promises to you as you wait on him. Amen.
Prayer
Father, we thank you for life, health and salvation. You have been so good to us, and daily we rejoice in the benefits you have loaded us with.
Thank you for your promises that keep us going daily; help us not to grow despondent but patient as you work things out in our favour in Jesus\’ name. Amen.
Pastor Ada