Theme:   All I Want for Christmas Is for God to Hurry Up

This eDevotional was written by a volunteer from Timberlake Church. 

READ: 2 Chronicles 7:11-22

THINK: If ___________ then __________________ statements in my life were not always filled with hope and promise.

As a child, I would rather do anything than eat. I was healthy, but extremely thin and my mom would periodically take me to the Pediatrician and ask what to do. He always responded, "She will not starve, she will eat when she needs to." Thus began a lifelong battle with food. For most people food, snacks, treats are used as a reward; for me they registered punishment. I can tell you every detail of the wallpaper in the kitchen where I sat as a 3 year old in tears because I was told, "IF I did not eat my dinner, THEN I would have to go to bed, the plate would be put in the fridge and I would have to eat it in the morning." I cannot recall ever actually having to eat the food in the morning. But these words spoken by my babysitter still ring clearly in my little inner child head. As an adult, I believe these words were spoken with a desire to encourage me. As a child, they were a threat, sending a feeling of sadness, hopelessness and loss that I would once again not be able to play with my brother and sister or watch TV, but instead go to bed alone and early.

God's usage of IF….THEN statements are given to warn, encourage, direct and demonstrate His love for us while reminding us of the benefits of obedience. Pastor Ben said that God invites us to trust in Him through obedience while we are waiting. For what are you waiting?

We here in the Pacific Northwest are a hearty healthy crew who like to not just wear athletic clothing, but we want to look good in it. What does it take? Anyone can wear the clothes, not everyone who wears the gear is truly an athlete. To be in shape takes diligence, discipline, depriving, daily devotion to a goal. Through faithful perseverance we actually come to the point of enjoying the training. New strength is gained and our desires for healthy activities replaces less beneficial ones. God uses the same method with us to reframe our spiritual desires. He can take the spiritually out-of-shape follower and turn him or her into a faithful and strong believer. Let us outfit ourselves with the appropriate attire for this season of life: put on peace, hope, love,joy... Hold on. Go deeper. Cling more. And let God strengthen your faith as we wait.

DO: Believe God's promise, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." ( Joshua 1:9)

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, may we be set free of fear. Build up our faith that we might trust you completely to guide and direct our lives. May we believe that You have a plan for our future and give us hope for today. Increase our love for You that we might be quick to obey and follow You. AMEN.