The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. (Genesis 12:1-4) Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born. (Genesis 21:5)
My oldest son plays football, and the first couple games of the season last year, they would be winning right up until the 4th quarter. Then it was like they would just stop playing, and they would lose. The mantra at practice became Play All 4! They would chant it. Coach would say it over and over, and the next game, sure enough, they played tough to the end. And they won.
Abraham was 75 years old when the promise first came to him…when God first spoke of His potential for Abraham. “I will make you into a great nation.” He was 75 years old. Granted, they lived to be older in those days, but that was still kind of late to be starting a family, especially if it was going to be a big family.
Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born…..when the potential God spoke over him turned to reality in his life. He was 100 years old. One Hundred. And if you do the math, that was 25 years AFTER the promise was spoken. Twenty-five LONG years to wait for the promise.
A lot happened in those 25 years. God appeared to him at least 4 times that we know of and reminded him of the promise and encouraged him to believe. God cut a covenant with him. God delivered him and protected him. There were conversations between the two of them. Relationship was formed and it deepened over time. Trust was built.
There were also some mistakes made. Abraham and Sarai tried to help God. They didn’t think He was moving fast enough, so they helped Him along and Ishmael was born. They got into some scrapes lying to some kings. But in spite of their mistakes, God was faithful.
Perseverance is a HUGE key to seeing God’s potential turn to reality in our lives. (And it seems to be a theme in my posts lately…hmmm…I think God is trying to tell me something!)
So here is my charge to you today…my charge to me today. Don’t quit. So what if it didn’t happen when we thought it should or how we thought it should. He still has a plan. So what if we made some mistakes along the way. God has an app for that – it’s called grace and mercy, and He is big enough to cover our mistakes and bring His promise to pass anyway!
Play all 4! Play all 4! Play all 4! When are we supposed to stop? When potential is made reality. When faith is made sight. Not until we are walking in the Promised Land.
I have a couple things I have been believing for…and I have been standing for years. To be honest, at times I have been tempted to let go. To get discouraged. To stop believing. “When? How?” But each time He comes alongside and whispers…Play all 4! Don’t give up! Don’t quit! The answer is close! If He is saying that – the One that sees the future – I know it has to be close. I can’t wait to share the miracle with you when it comes! And He’s saying the same to you – It’s close…play all 4!
Don’t let hiccups or delays discourage you. Don’t let past failures or mistakes hold you back. Press into Him. Press into the Word. Continue to form and deepen that relationship with Him…deepen that trust. Persevere! He is faithful and is working on your behalf right now. Play all 4!
Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. Stand therefore [hold your ground]…(Ephesians 6:13-14 AMP)