Emmanuel, God With Us // week 3

Waiting on God’s Presence

Moving forward with hope, while waiting on God’s Presence

THE LIE

Waiting = Punishment

In the time of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.     Luke 1:5 - 6

But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.     Luke 1:7

TENDENCIES OF OUR HEARTS

Bitterness vs Guilt 

THREE TRUTHS ABOUT MOVING FORWARD WITH HOPE  

GOD’S TIMING - There is only one schedule God works from and it’s not yours.

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every matter under heaven.     Ecclesiastes 3:1

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.”     Luke 1:11 - 15a

GOD’S PROMISES - Even in our doubt.

 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”     Luke 1:18

There’s a huge difference between knowing God’s promises and        

waiting on God’s promises.

GOD’S GRACE – Can be found in the unexpected.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”     Isaiah 55:8 - 9

When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.     Luke 1:57 - 58

MOVE FORWARD WITH HOPE IN GOD’S TIMING, GOD’S PROMISES AND GOD’S GRACE.