Word of Encouragement (8/25/2020)

Yesterday, we reflected on the guarantee of God’s promises because they are earned by Christ and given to Him and we share in them as His people. This doesn’t mean, however, that we will experience and enjoy them at all times in the same way (at least, in this life). William Spurstowe, another Puritan pastor, said, “The blessing of the promise descends sometimes like rain in visible showers, producing the sensible effects of joy and peace in the soul; sometimes it falls like dew in a silent and imperceptible way… the virtue which it puts forth is real, but yet withal hidden and secret” (p. 28).

Obviously, we prefer the former manner of receiving God’s promises, whose fulfillment is evident. But we must remember that that is not the only way. If we focus only on the former way, we may think that God is not answering our prayers and grow despondent even though God may be fulfilling His promises in the latter, imperceptible manner. This is true, especially in the area of the fruit of the Spirit. It is funny that we ask God to give us patience quickly! Also, just because “the boiling point” has not been reached doesn’t mean that God is not warming up the water of fulfillment.

Spurstowe further reminds us that many of God’s promises are “bonds of a different date, meaning they are fulfilled in several ages and generations of the church, being so purposely ordered… that there might yet be a most plentiful reserve of new mercies unto the last ages of the world” (pp. 28-29). We may not see the answers to our prayers in our lifetime, especially our prayers for our children and grandchildren. But even though our time in this world may come to an end, and with it, our prayers, too, God who hears our prayers is eternal. He will answer our prayers according to His timing and according to the abundant riches of His grace. And our prayers may be picked up and multiplied by our next generation(s). The authors say, “How good God is to give His children such a store of promises that not only meet every one of our needs but also assure us that we can go to our graves rejoicing that His storehouse was not exhausted on us—an abundance of blessings and mercies will be left for our children and for the church that we love. God’s mercies those who follow us will be ‘new every morning’ and to the end of the age” (p. 29).

May this thought encourage you to be faithful and persistent in your prayers!