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Key Bible Verses: This is what the Sovereign Lord says:. … "Those who wait for me will never be put to shame" (Isaiah 49:22-23). Bonus Reading: 1 Samuel 13:5–14

To enjoy a spectacular view of Hawaii's most famous shoreline, you'll need to take the half-hour climb from Waikiki Beach to the crest of Diamond Head. As you set out, you'll encounter a sign: "Stay on the path. Take no shortcuts. It causes erosion." These words have a penetrating application to our lives.

When James Garfield—later the 20th U.S. President—served as president of Hiram College in Ohio, a hurry-up father burst into his office with an urgent request. He wanted to know if it was possible for his son to graduate in three years instead of four so that he could get into the marketplace faster.

"Well, it all depends on what you want to end up with," Garfield replied. "If you want an oak, it takes seven years. But squash will take only three months."

Our dreams have a way of taking the scenic route, prompting our impatience to balloon into full-blown frustration. But part of the wonder of dreams is the timing through which God works to bring them into reality. Note that it's God who works through the timing—not you! God's destiny doesn't rush. It comes about only through a process of His choosing.

—Wayne Cordeiro in The Dream Releasers

My Response: How has a short cut caused erosion in my life?

Thought to Apply: God aims to exalt himself by working for those who wait for Him. —John Piper (Minnesota pastor)

Adapted from The Dream Releasers (Regal, 2002) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, I trust You to act when the time is right. Give me the discipline to wait for Your time.

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