Something just wasn’t right.  I couldn’t quite put my finger on it but something didn’t feel normal.  It started out simple enough.  A symptom here or there though every abnormal symptom could be explained.  I was thirsty a lot……well, I had been working outside in the summer heat quite a bit.  I was constantly tired all the time…..again, I had been working outside.  Maybe I was overworking myself and I just needed to slow down.  There was still that nagging in the back of my head that something was wrong.  I finally went to the doctor.  He ran a few tests and asked, “Who is the diabetic in your family?”  My response was, “Huh?  There aren’t any diabetics in my family, I don’t think?!?”  His response, “Well there are now.”  My head was spinning with the implications.  All I could see was a shortened life span and needles…….LOTS of needles.  I HATE needles!  “How can we fix it?  What do I need to do?”  I craved answers to my questions, all the while kicking myself for not going sooner.  He sat down beside me and we spoke for about fifteen minutes.  Everything else faded as I hung to his every word.  This diagnosis felt unbelievable.  Honestly, it felt like a death sentence.  My response may seem dramatic to you but this prognosis was unexpected.  I had just received a punch to the gut.  I should have expected as much, after all, my lifestyle reflected the diagnosis.  It was 2002 and I was morbidly obese at that time, tipping the scales at nearly 400 pounds.  I was unhealthy and didn’t see a need to change.  The symptoms were there all along but I ignored or reasoned them away.

You know what I’m talking about because you’ve experienced it to.  Something just isn’t/wasn’t quite right.  We convince ourselves there’s nothing to worry about.  That’s the way sin works.  Rarely does the devil slap us in the face with a blatant invitation to involve ourselves in something spiritually unhealthy.  It starts small.  You let your Bible reading slip, stop praying like you should, skip a few church services.  Things that once bothered you don’t seem important any longer.  You begin allowing your morals to slip a little.  You begin the process of convincing yourself, “It isn’t THAT bad, is it?  Nah!  I’m fine.”  We conveniently turn a blind eye while sin slips in because we desire to please the flesh.  When we finally realize things are out of hand it’s too late.  The damage has been done.  You feel guilty and, quite frankly, like a total failure.  But with God there’s ALWAYS hope.  Scripture reminds us, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  [Rom 3:23]  You’re in good company.  The decision to overcome lies solely in your hands.  Don’t like the way things have turned out?  Make better decisions.  Frustrated with the consequences you’re left to face because of your actions?  Change your habits.  We know when something is wrong.  We sense it.  When you feed that “flesh” monster long enough he will grow and eventually wreak havoc in your life spiritually, mentally, financially, and so forth.  Our Christian lives are a constant dying to the old man and taking on that Christ-like identity instead.  Maybe it’s time to kill somebody–maybe it’s time to crucify that fleshly man.  But be warned, you will have to kill him EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!  Not only is it important to accept God’s grace and mercy in our own lives but to extend that same compassion and forgiveness to others.  I’m not encouraging you to become a door mat for people to walk over.  But if we can’t forgive others how to we expect God to, “…forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  [1 John 1:9]  No one said the Christian life would be easy but He did assure us we wouldn’t walk this road alone.

Be encouraged today.  We all make mistakes but it is imperative we get up, dust ourselves off, deal with the consequences, and continue moving forward.  The opinions of others don’t matter.  One day, “every knee will bow and every tongue confess…” that Jesus is Lord.  We are all in the same boat here.  You have one Judge and His opinion is the only one that matters.

How were they to believe something they had never seen nor experienced for themselves? And let’s face it, they probably thought he was crazy. Noah, the original creator of the cruise ship, tried to warn the people of his time but they chose not to listen. Could you imagine being told it was going to rain and the earth would flood though you had never experienced rain for yourself?  Oh yeah, and to avoid dying you need to hop on a huge ship full of smelly animals.  Do you think you would have believed? I would like to think I would have been smart enough to listen but I question if I would have thought he was a little crazy too. By that point in history the world was so wrapped up in pleasing their flesh they didn’t care about much else.  Sounds a little like what we’re experiencing now, don’t you think?  I firmly believe God sends along periodic wake up calls to His people.  Sadly, many times, we fail to heed those warnings and are left to suffer the consequences.

Days ago the church received another wake-up call as the Supreme Court of the U.S. ruled in favor of recognizing the marital union of homosexual couples.  Truthfully, I can’t say I’m surprised though admittedly I was mildly shocked it happened so quickly.  Many in the Christian world can still be found walking around in fear, worried for the future–and rightfully so.  But, all due respect, if it took this particular ruling to bring concern I question if you’ve really been paying attention to the things around you.  The warning signs have been there since before my birth, [none of your business] years ago 🙂  All my life I’ve heard the old-timers say, “Get ready!  He’s coming back soon!”  Just because those in Noah’s time had not experienced rain doesn’t mean it didn’t exist. Just because we haven’t seen God with our own eyes doesn’t make Him a myth.  Just because we have yet to experience the ‘Second Coming’ doesn’t mean it isn’t real and will not happen. The alarm is sounding and warnings are all around us. As Christians we can’t afford back down from speaking the truth—though, as I’ve stated before, it MUST be done in love. We can speak biblical truths but can’t make others believe. The ‘red flags’ are all around us as time is running out to win the lost. I’m not attempting to be a prophet of doom but the signs around us are proof things WILL get worse. Now comes the time to make a decision. Do we run for the hills or stand firm in the cause for Christ? The choice is yours but the decision must be made.  The author of 2 Timothy 1:12 puts it best, “…for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”  Though he was in jail and being tortured when this particular section was written, he made the choice to stand firm in his beliefs and what he knew God had called him to accomplish.  How long will we hit the snooze button or attempt to turn a blind eye?  If you pretend it’s not there long enough you’ll start to believe your own lies. Like Noah, you can show others the truth but you can’t make them get on the boat.

Be encouraged and stand firm today.  Don’t grow weary in well-doing.  Even when we can’t see it God is STILL working!

I’ve been knee deep in hundreds of children and teenagers for a few weeks now…….and enjoying every minute of it.  Shocking, right?  That’s enough to drive most anyone crazy but it has brought me great joy.  Every year our denomination has three weeks of youth camp and, if possible, I always volunteer.  Church youth camp affected my life in invaluable ways.  Many of the lessons learned during those hot summers still influence the decisions I make in the present.  About midway through the festivities this year I found myself questioning why I loved it so much.  No doubt the extra-curricular activities were a fun way to pass the time but there was something more.  I found myself around people who were hungry for something only the Holy Spirit could provide.  I never had many true Christian friends to hang out with in school.  Most people my age were more interested in involving themselves in activities that only led to trouble.  At camp most everyone around me desired those same spiritual encounters with God that I did.  This year things took a different turn for me as it was the first time my daughter was old enough to attend.  I watched her all week long as she, even at the age of six, was learning to seek God.  I enjoyed watching as other adults around her began speaking into her life.  It was then I realized the word of God was being lived out right in front of my eyes.  It didn’t matter that she wasn’t their daughter.  They saw it as their duty to minister and teach her.

Solomon is attributed as being one of the wisest people to have ever walked this planet.  Strategically placed among the twenty-second chapter of Proverbs, a book Solomon wrote, you will find an important truth.  It simply states, “Train a child in the way he should go:  and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” {Prov 22:6]  I am a product of the many men and women God sent in my direction who chose to take the time to speak into my life.  The man everyone sees now is a direct result of the words of wisdom spoke into my life during youth camps, church services, and more.  I love the fact there are absolutely no stipulation placed in that verse.  Nothing requires you be related to the child or know him/her personally.  It’s our responsibility as Christian men and women to train, teach, and mentor the children and youth around us.  I’m grateful for the encouragement and truth’s spoken over me during my youth.  In many situations those words of wisdom gave me the strength to continue doing what I knew was right.  Look around you?  Who are the children and teenagers God has placed in your life–or even young Christians (I make no reference to age when speaking of young Christians as they come in all ages)?  Are you doing your part?  Not just the ones who seem to be on the right road but, specifically, the ones that tend to get on your nerves.  You know the kid I’m talking about.  Maybe he’s got a smart mouth and probably needs to be on a healthy dose of Ritalin.  Those children need God too—sometimes even more.  Those simple words of wisdom and encouragement could be the very thing that might keep that child out of Satan’s grasp.  Side note:  Make sure the biblical truths you are speaking to others are based on scripture in the context in which it is written.  Don’t use these moments to simply share your opinions.  The things you are teaching them are the methods of warfare they will, hopefully, learn to employ as they battle the darts of the enemy.  Study and know the word in it’s truest form, teach it, and remember—EVERY day is training day!

My daughter had a little accident at school the other day resulting in a sizable goose egg on her forehead.  For that reason I picked her up to keep an eye on her.  Because it happened in the middle of the work day it was necessary for me to take her back to work with me.  For a while she colored, played with my iPad, and a few other random activities.  Eventually she made her way over to where I was sitting working at my computer.  Her hands found mine on the keyboard and she gently held her hands on top as I typed and used the computers built-in mouse.  [the picture above was taken that day as I didn’t want to miss that moment – she was none the wiser].  It’s funny the things we remember from our childhood.  For instance, I remember my Papaw’s hands.  He has since long left us for his eternal home but I think of him often.  We visited this particular set of grandparents weekly because they lived so close.  On most any trip you would always find the same thing–Mamaw was in the kitchen and Papaw in his garage out back.  He was always working on a lawnmower or any number of items as my brother and I played around him.  Later in the day you could always find him slathering his hands with a citrus smelling product called ‘Go-Jo’ used to clean the oils from his hands.  I remember staring at those same hands and seeing them darkened from oil stains or paint, calloused, and sometimes bloody from manual labor.  It’s highly probable my hands will never look like that.  Not because I’m willing to work but I’m terrible when it comes to fixing things.  I didn’t inherit the same “handy” gene my brother did.  My Papaw’s hands were always a direct result of the time and labor put in to taking care of my grandmother and the rest of his family.  Even in his final years when his movements were restricted by the cord coming from his oxygen tank he still found a way busy himself. It left me wondering, what is my daughter seeing when she looks at my hands?  Even more importantly, what does my heart look like?  You see, to the naked eye my hands can be deceiving.  My job has me more involved with matters surrounding the heart……not necessarily physically but spiritually.  My hands may not be calloused but my heart has been through quite a bit.  Lately it has become my goal to end my life with my heart in terrible condition.  Not from bad eating or things of that nature rather calloused from the love and compassion I have extended to those around me.  Honestly, many days I roll out of bed simply wanting to return to the comfort of my pillow.  But I can’t.  God has entrusted me—and you—with a job to do for His kingdom.  We must begin each day with David’s prayer to, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”  [Ps. 51:10]  If we’re not about doing the Father’s business we’re wasting time and fall into the “lukewarm” thus becoming worthless.  Seeing my daughters hands placed on top of my own were a wake-up call to me.  She’s watching me.  Am I setting a worthy example for her….or anyone else who happens to be watching me?  I’m learning it’s not always what you’re doing with your hands that’s most valuable.  If we don’t die with callouses on our heart we’re not really living for Him.  Is your heart calloused?

The goal of this blog page has never been to degrade or demean.  I pray what you’re about to read isn’t viewed as such as it would completely undermine the entire message of this submission.  That being said, I can’t justify sitting back any longer without saying something to my brothers and sisters in Christ.  I find myself shaking my head in disappointment almost daily because of the things being said around me.  The conversations, my Facebook feed, the local news channels, and more are covered with hateful venom every single day.  The sad part is most of this same venom is coming from Christians.  Sometimes I just want to tell people to ‘shut-up.’  I know, I know—Momma said that isn’t a nice word but it sums up how I genuinely feel.  Here’s what bothers me most.  We can’t control how the world is going to act but, personally, I expect more from Christians.  My heart aches at the sad state of our world but what frustrates me more is the fact many feel their Christianity is something they can flaunt as a free pass to judge everyone else for their shortcomings.  When did it become okay for Christians to judge the unsaved……or anyone for that matter?  Let me give you an example.  Unless you’ve had no access to any form of media lately you’re aware a well-known gold medal winning male Olympian has made the decision to identify as a female.  I have sat back and watched as many have praised him while others have crucified him.  Again, much of the venom is coming from the mouths of Christians.  Do I agree with this man’s choice and/or lifestyle?  Absolutely not.  Does that mean I’m going to attempt to beat him over the head with the Bible?  Nope.  Putting myself in a place as judge and jury doesn’t make me any better than anyone else.  Many souls have been lost to hell because well-meaning Christian’s of today and yester-year couldn’t learn when to speak the truth in love and when to shut their mouths.  We can agree to disagree and still be respectful.  We can love without condoning.  The Bible never said, “Only love those whose lifestyles and opinions you agree with.”  We are told to, “…love our neighbor as ourselves.”  Never once did God place stipulations.

Matthew 7:1-3 [NIV] states, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.  Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”  ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God.  We are flawed individuals and have to remind ourselves we too are sinners.  By being judgmental of others you too are sinning.  There are no differing levels of sin– sin is sin– except for the unforgivable blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.  It’s all the same in God’s eyes.  If not for the grace of God we too could be involving ourselves in many of the activities we find so repulsive of others.  No doubt some Christians already involve themselves in many of these same questionable activities– though that’s a blog for another day.  Those around us won’t be drawn to Christ because of legalism or brow-beating.  As Christians, we can’t prevent grown adults from making terrible decisions.  But we can choose to be waiting with open arms to help them pick up the pieces and point them to a loving, merciful, and gracious God.  None of us have the right to ‘cast stones.’  We are all sinners.  John 12:32 states, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”  NEWS FLASH:  God isn’t asking for our opinions on current events.  His word speaks for itself.  If he had the ability to create the universe simply by speaking, I think His word can speak for Him on current issues.  From one Christian to another, if you claim to be Christian — act like it.  If your actions and words are bringing more reproach than glory to His name it’s time to step back and deal with your own heart issues.  I hate to say it but, some Christians need to shut-up.

This week’s post has found me experiencing emotions on two opposite sides of the spectrum.  I feel great sadness in my heart but there is an equal part of me that is rejoicing.  Let me explain.  After a time of prolonged illness I have just lost someone who was very dear to me.  He was only 56 years old.  It almost seems unfair that he would be taken so soon.  While my heart hurts that he is no longer with our family I find myself genuinely celebrating the life he lived.  I dare say he squeezed more life and excitement out of his short time here than most would in a hundred years.  You had to know him to understand what I’m really talking about.  To know Randy was to love him.  He lit up every room he walked in.  The party tended to follow him.  Truth be told, the fun didn’t really begin until he arrived—and the party ALWAYS started late because he was NEVER on time.  He was full of energy and had bellowing laugh that could be heard blocks away.  His bright blue eyes danced with excitement every time he came in contact with someone-stranger or loved one.  Though, he never really met a stranger.  Those very same eyes had a glint of mischief in them, like he was privy to information others weren’t.  You see, he had plenty to complain about.  He had more than his fair share of sickness, heartaches, and hardships.  But to the casual onlooker, you would never know it.  Every mannerism and character trait that was ‘Randy Rhodes’ had nothing to do with the world and everything to do with His Heavenly Father.  He was a little glimpse of heaven on earth…….overflowing with joy and happiness, love, acceptance regardless of your past or shortcomings, and so much more.  He never judged others for their life choices but always found a way to remind them of God’s love and the gift of eternal life.

Hebrews 9:27 tells us, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”  It’s not some big secret.  We will all meet our Maker at some point.  The question remains– what are you leaving behind?  I’m not talking about a tangible inheritance or millions of dollars–though I would appreciate someone adding my name to that list.  What are you leaving behind, spiritually speaking, that can serve as a benefit to others?  Your deeds will most likely be forgotten (and for those of us that make constant mistakes– I’ll be the first to admit I am thankful for that truth).  But the things of God never grow old or fade away.  A godly heritage is something that has the capability of reaching far beyond our lifetime and impacting our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and so forth.  I encourage you today to, “lay aside ever weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us..” [Heb. 12:1]  You cannot predict when your race will be over but you can choose today to run that race to the best of your abilities leaving behind a Godly example for all you come in contact with.

A few months ago our family was preparing to let Randy go as every doctors report reminded us his time was up.  I find it somewhat comical that, in true “Randy” form, death came knocking but Randy was running late……..again.  He squeezed a little more love, laughter, and a message of hope to those he came in contact with.  I refuse to say goodbye.  Rather I choose to say, “See you soon!!!”  What are YOU leaving behind?

Dewey Randolph “Randy” Rhodes

November 1st, 1958 — May 31st, 2015

“I need some time with you,” she said.  My response was, “Ummmm, we live together.  Could you be a little more specific?”  I could see it in her eyes though I couldn’t figure out if it was fatigue, frustration, irritation or a combination of the three.  Life had gotten crazy.  We were burning the candle at both ends, chasing our children everywhere, running off to some practice or special event, and trying to control a thousand other things that demanded our immediate attention.  This was a red flag moment and I needed to pay attention.  When we were dating, and even earlier in our marriage, it was much easier.  A date night required a simple decision, a quick shower, and off we went.  Now that we have children there were more details involved.  There were babysitters to be scheduled and paid, bathing and feeding the kids, doing homework, and so much more.  We were disconnected.  It wasn’t purposeful but it had happened.  We had allowed other things to become higher priority.  The longer we put off spending those intimate moments with each other the more disconnected we became.  Sure, we were living in the same house and sleeping in the same bed….but our hearts cried for more.  We longed for moments of speaking to one another privately about everything and nothing– without having to get someone a snack, change a diaper, or trying to talk over another re-run of Barney.  She missed her time with me, and I with her.  Without those intimate moments our relationship was becoming, well, more of a living arrangement.  We were just existing.

It’s the same way in our relationship with God.  In the beginning things are new and fresh.  We don’t have to find time to spend in prayer and Bible reading, it’s an honor and necessity.  We CHOOSE to do those things.  Time passes, the relationship becomes stronger, we become a little more comfortable and then……..we start slipping a little.  Other things start becoming a bigger priority.  The cycle continues until we’ve pulled away from God and find ourselves drifting towards things that once made us uncomfortable.  We relax our convictions and pretend certain things don’t matter.  Before you know it you’ve almost completely forsaken a relationship that was once a priority.  A bond is formed in those intimate moments.  Transparency breeds trust.  Trust strengthens the foundations of a relationship.  Exodus 34:14 reminds us He’s a jealous God.  He LONGS to have that time with us.  But He’s also a gentleman and will not push Himself upon you.  He proved His love when He sent His Son to die for our filthy sins.  I encourage you to take an inventory of your life today.  Have you been pulling away?  Is your relationship drifting apart?  Is He saying, “I need some time with you.”?  If you can honestly read this and convince yourself everything is okay you have an even bigger issue than you realize.  He’s waiting for you to ignore everything else and choose Him again.  He’s not looking for a cheap Saturday night date.  He’s looking for a bride…….without spot or blemish.  Are you prostituting yourself out to everything and everyone else?  Do you genuinely want a stronger relationship?  Talk is cheap.  Prove it by doing something about it.

Today’s blog is by guest blogger, the beautiful and talented woman I get to call my wife, Jennifer Rhodes.

Fear of the unknown is paralyzing.  Common sense vehemently declares, “I do NOT want to fail!”  But every now and then we have a burst of bravery that courses through our veins.  We get ‘sick and tired of being sick and tired’ and just…..let go.  I found myself playing in the backyard with our children this past weekend and watched as my daughter had such a moment.  Being in an adventurous mood she decided to attempt going down the sliding board backwards.  May seem simple and of non-importance to an adult but, if you know my daughter, this was huge.  She had finally mustered up the confidence was poised to conquer her fear……..but was looking for a safety net.  She called me over just in case something went wrong.  I was proud of her as she was already positioned to face her fear…….a BIG step for someone with her personality type.  Her desire to try something new had overridden fear of the unknown.  I approached cautiously.  She knew I was there because she could hear my voice.  Her little hands were grasping the sides of the board tightly as she was deciding whether to let go.  I reassured her she would be fine and encouraged her to continue.  Then I reassured again…..and again….almost demanding by this point.

This little interaction reminded me of many Christians I know, myself included.  We cry out, “God, I’m out of my comfort zone…I want to let go…I know You’re there……but I’m afraid.”  If we will step back and survey the landscape we would realize fear is mostly based on falsities that mask themselves as reality.  Peter comes to mind as he begged Jesus to allow him to walk on the water.  His faith in Jesus pushed him to attempt the physically impossible.  Jesus called him out.  At that moment, what was fluid and unable to hold form became chemically solid.  Seconds later he lost focus and allowed his surroundings to dictate his reactions.  He began to sink.  I can’t help but wonder if Jesus was disappointed in him.  Peter had experienced miracles at the hands of Jesus yet he still allowed his fear to take center stage.  Spiritual experience teaches us God is there all along.  But, like Peter, we allow fear to creep in and paralyze us.  Then we go so far as to question the validity of our faith.  When will we learn God Almighty defies logic?  Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”   Scripture instructs us to employ faith when we can’t see ahead or behind.  Trust in the Father is a necessity.  The book of Hebrews also reminds us without faith we cannot please God.  The chapter continues on to describe account after account of men and women taking drastic measures (things most would consider crazy) because they sensed they had heard from God.  The aftermath of such circumstances will always serve as encouragement to those around us and building blocks in the foundation of our faith in the Father.

Will you allow God to call you out into the unknown?  Peter’s faith building experience would be one that would teach millions about trust in God.  Is it possible he’s using YOUR experiences to minister to those around you?  He is standing there to catch should you fall.  Do you trust Him?  Prove it.  Just…….let go.

Most people my age and younger have absolutely no patience. We like INSTANT gratification. I recently came across some information and wanted to share it with you. There’s a plant called the Chinese bamboo tree. If you’re a patient person, this is the plant for you. Let me explain. The seed for the Chinese bamboo tree has to be planted in a specific type of soil. Once this is done you can begin watering and fertilizing it–thus the process begins. The next day you water it, and the next, and the next. Seems simple, right? Good!!! Get comfortable, folks. You must tend to and water this plant for nearly five years before you will ever see the slightest growth. That’s right…..FIVE YEARS!! For five years you get absolutely nothing. Nada. Zero. Zilch. Then something amazing happens. At some point during its fifth year, no doubt way past the point of hope it will ever grow, you see a small glimmer of hope. A small green stem sprouts up. Cue the music….time for the happy dance!! Get this, within five to six weeks this plant will have grown anywhere from seventy five to ninety feet in height! Five years of nothing and then….WHAM…….almost overnight, this plant grows to nearly ninety feet. You could literally watch it grow right before your eyes. Seems impossible, but it’s true.

There are a few great lessons to be learned here. 1. Just because you can’t see God working in your situation doesn’t mean He’s not there. He said He would “work all things for the good” but never promised your answer would come overnight. If God promised it, it will come to pass but it’s highly probable it won’t happen on YOUR time table. 2. There are lessons to be learned during your waiting season. Maybe you feel like you’ll never see change or growth but sometimes it’s necessary to, “Wait on the Lord and be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord.” [Ps. 27:14] Coincidence the author instructs us twice to ‘wait’? Probably not. No doubt you’re being taught patience, trusting in the process, and the necessity of faith to believe “it” (whatever your “it” is) will come to pass. 3. You must bloom where you are planted. We live in a society that encourages constant change. If you don’t like the way things are going, find something else that makes you happy. You wouldn’t take a cake out of the oven before it is ready so why uproot yourself because the pastor didn’t shake your hand or you don’t like the color of the carpet? Find the church God has for you and allow yourself to grow roots and establish a foundation. Transplanting the Chinese bamboo could slow or even stop the growth process prematurely. The same can be said of God’s promises in your life. 4. Faithfulness to the process is a necessity to experience growth or change. If the growers of the Chinese bamboo tree give up after four years they will never experience the pending growth that will come sometime in the next year. There is a process of growth that must take place for you to be able to wisely handle the blessings that will, no doubt, come your way. Your focus should be LESS on the promise and MORE on the process you undergo getting to your promise. Ask yourself, what is God teaching me during my waiting season?

If God promised it, it will happen. But you must remain faithful during your waiting period–no matter how long that may be. His word will NOT return void.