Genesis 21:2
“For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.”
One of the most incredible stories in the Scriptures is the story of Abraham and Sarah. God promised Abraham early in his life that He would make of him a great nation. The problem with this promise was that Abraham didn't have any children. Finally, when Abraham and Sarah were old, she conceived “at the set time which God had spoken to him.” What truly seemed to be impossible was possible with God. When it seemed like time had run out on God’s promises, God proved His timing never runs out. God’s promises to Abraham and Sarah were sure even when human sense dictated His promises had failed.
God’s answers have a process they must go through. God’s process for fulfilling his promises are: God promises, faith believes, hope anticipates, patience waits and God answers. It is always this process that you will go through before God answers His promises. Let me give you a few thoughts on the security of God’s promises.
First, if God promises, you can be assured that He will fulfill those promises. Titus 1:2 reminds us, “…God, that cannot lie…” When God promises that He will do something, it is as good as answered. If you don't see the answer to God’s promise that doesn’t mean He has not answered. You must realize that God has already fulfilled His promise to you even though you have not seen it. You may recall that God answered Daniel’s prayer, but it took several days before he realized that answer because of the battle between the angel of God and Satan. If God promised that He is going to do something, His promise is secure; all you have to do is simply have the faith to believe that God will come through.
Second, while faith believes and hope anticipates, don't do anything foolish that you will regret. Abraham made the mistake that many Christians make when we don't realize God’s promise immediately, and that was he tried to work God’s promise out for himself. Instead of waiting on God, Abraham and Sarah conceived a plan to have a child through a surrogate mother. This foolish plan will cause heartache for millions of people until the LORD returns. Don't let time cause your faith to wane. Just because you don't see anything happening doesn't mean that God has forgotten His promise. You must continue to anticipate the promise of God by continuing to do right, believing that He will come through on His promises.
Third, God’s schedule doesn't need your approval. I’m sure that Abraham and Sarah didn't approve of God’s schedule, but they were wrong and God was right. God’s schedule of when He plans to fulfill His promise is absolutely the right timing. God has scheduled to fulfill His promise at the very time it will give Him the greatest glory. During this waiting period, you must be patient and continue to follow God’s plan. God’s plan is always the best plan.
What promise from God are you still awaiting? What prayer are you still waiting for God to answer? Always remember God’s process is: God promises, faith believes, hope anticipates, patience waits and God answers. Keep doing right until God answers. When He answers, you will realize His timing was the best.