October 17, 2021: SOAP #4336:  Job 1-2; Acts 6-7

SCRIPTURE:  Acts 7: 30 “After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai.  31 When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to look more closely, he heard the Lord’s voice: 32 ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.

OBSERVATION: In making his defense before the religious leaders in Jerusalem, Stephen gives an overview of Israel’s history.  He covers forty years with five words: “After forty years had passed…”   It was a long forty years.  It was the time between Moses having to leave Egypt until the time God appeared to him in the burning bush telling him to return. 

Joseph spent years in an Egyptian prison until God gave Pharaoh a dream that needed to be interpreted.  If Joseph was not in prison, he very likely would have returned to his family in Canaan, but being in prison, he was immediately available.  (Genesis 41)

APPLICATION:  God’s timing often requires periods when I am sitting on the sidelines just passing time.  It may be an hour while waiting on a family member, or it may be a year or more waiting on a job or ministry opportunity. 

Waiting time can be productive time for prayer and Bible study.  God will use the waiting time to prepare me for the next assignment. 

I must be careful not to think that God is finished with me, or I am useless to Him. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, the timing for your plan for my life may require times of just being available. You are worthy of my whole-hearted service.  You are also worthy of my being available by waiting. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!