Behold they say to me; Where is the Word of the Lord? Let it come!
Jeremiah 17:15
Jeremiah is being ridiculed over what appears to be a false word. The Lord had him prophetically declare the destruction of the Jerusalem and the downfall of the Judah as a nation and it hasn’t happened…….yet.
We’ve all experienced the wait; that time frame between the word of the Lord being declared and actually bearing visible fruit in our world. Jesus highlighted the context of the waiting with his parable of the seed. There is always first the sowing of the seed.
So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Is. 55: 11
The developmental or growth process is reflected in the exhortation of the farmer who patiently waits for the fruit, James 5:7. His aim is to strengthen their hearts through the waiting process. James’ context is referring to the return of our Lord and he reminds us that patience is a virtue we are to nurture in our lives as believers, noting that patience is always a hopeful expectation birthed from a confident heart in the one who hastens over His word to perform it.
May I suggest two possibilities for consideration, both reflecting the goodness of God:
First, from 2 Peter 3:9. NLT The Lord is not slow concerning his promises as some count slow ~The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
Paul wrote to the Romans, we are NOT to presume upon the riches of his kindness and forbearance and his patience knowing it is the goodness of God that leads to repentance.
So while God is at work perfecting all things that concern us there is the place of our responsibility to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Meaning, we must overcome all doubt and unbelief to embrace the word He has spoken. Every word spoken from an evil heart of unbelief impacts the production of the seed. The double minded man, unstable in all his ways, is unable to receive anything from the Lord.
Much of our warfare begins with bringing ourselves into a place of single mindedness over the word God has spoken. Rooting out all unbelief and doubt built by our own mental reasonings. Hosea 4:6 is a powerful reminder to us about the process of destruction.
Our second consideration is that of the Lord’s great care not to commit to us something we are not capable of bearing. John 16:12 is a good example. Jesus’ disciples were at maximum capacity. Sometimes, even on our best days, we can’t process any more information. 1 Cor 10:13 examines this - there is no temptation that comes to us that we are not able to bear - but God with the temptation makes the way of escape that we may bear it.
Both considerations are rooted in his great love for us and we must never lose sight of this truth. Every situation has, from God’s perspective, growth and development for us in it. Every word has been prepared for an hour, a day, a month, a year, a season, the fullness of time. We are committed to capacity. Increasing requires growth and growth is never comfortable or easy. And God is the very God of patience and graciously works with us as we grow.
Our processes through this season must be found anchored in Him. Our foundations must be unshakeable, firm and immoveable when challenged by natural circumstances or personal mindsets and beliefs that contradict anything and everything God has decreed.
Let God be true and every man a liar, Romans 3:4
Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. 1Tm 1:18 NLT
ESV - This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,
NASB ~ This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight,
We battle best when we battle with the word of God, mindful that it is this sword that proceeds from the mouth of Jesus and it is this sword that cuts asunder soul and spirit.