Things can't be rushed

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"A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men."  Proverbs 18:16

This can be said about Joseph. He was despised by his brothers because of his favouritism by his father, and yet within this young man, were many talents and gifting that would eventually bring him before, possibly the most powerful man on earth - Pharaoh at that time, and would result in him being made Prime Minister - second in charge. However, this didn't happen over night and Joseph had to go through much stress and heartache before it came about.

The same can be said for David. He was only a young boy and yet he took on the mighty Goliath - the intimidating Philistine giant. Against all odds, he slayed him. David had been anointed king by Samuel, under the direction of God. King Saul had shown himself not to be worthy of leading Israel and so became yesterday's man. However, he remained in his position for many years and through his jealousy of David, made many threats against him. David had to wait 20 years before he took up his role of king.
In both these examples, we see two talented and gifted men who despite this fact, had to wait before they were set in the place God wanted them to be. 

Talents and gifts are vital when we are planning a career. We all have them in varying degrees. Sometimes they are obvious to us and others, then again, sometimes they need nurture, experience, hard work and encouragement to bring them out. Some people's talents and gifts are noticed very soon and they succeed practically overnight, such as pop stars and actors. Others may have the same gifting, yet never find the same success.

RT Kendall quotes an interesting phrase that his mentor, Dr Martin Lloyd Jones gave him many years ago:

'The worst thing that can happen to a man is to succeed before he is ready'

Think about that very wise statement. Imagine a doctor being taken on by a surgery even though he or she had only had six month's training. It would be disastrous to the patients, the surgery and the doctor too. They would be trying to succeed before their time and their training qualified them to practice. It would be ridiculous.
King David had to wait 20 years before his time came. Joseph waited many years in prison before he came into his destiny and probably this is where you are at too. Things are rarely formed overnight. It takes time and patience. This is where it can be difficult for some. Waiting really is boring and frustrating at times, but it is needed. Some give up because the waiting is too great.

Is this where you are at this time? It could be a job; starting a business; going into ministry or waiting for the right break in life to come along. Whatever it is, don't give up now. You've waited this long. Your reward may be just around the corner. Then again, it may be a few years in coming; but if you give up, you will regret it one day.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com