107 Coldren Street, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904, United States
Pastor's Corner
To Our Dear Belmont Family,
When He (Jesus ) had heard therefore that he ( Lazarus ) was sick, He abode two days still in the same place where He was. John 11:6
Today is St. Patrick’s Day. Sherri and I’s devotion this morning was titled “ Not Yet.” We woke up this morning hoping for Spring, but God said not yet. Snow in November is exciting , but snow in March, not so much. It’s not that God hasn’t promised Spring, it’s just not yet.
I’ve had lots of not yet times in my life, I’d imagine you have also. Sometimes I’ve prayed hard for things. Things that were Biblically sound. Things that needed Divine intervention. Things I felt needed answered right away. But for reasons I didn’t understand, God has said not yet.
There have been times when God said not yet that I’ve given up and stopped praying. I’ve learned that not yet doesn’t mean no. In the text above, I’m sure Jesus heard Mary and Martha’s prayers, but instead of coming right away, Jesus chose not yet. Jesus answered their prayers, but not in their timeframe.
I’m not a patient person and I don’t like to wait. So what should impatient people do when God says not yet? Simply don't give up. Keep believing, keep trusting, keep holding on to God’s promises and wait.
I’ve said that I believe God is going to give us that house next door. A couple of weeks ago we were so close to that happening. As fast as that door opened it slammed shut. It felt like a gut punch. I honestly felt like giving up. After I stopped pouting, I felt the Holy Spirit whisper, I didn’t say no just not yet.
I don’t know the outcome of all of our not yet prayers, but I believe I know our part. I believe it was Churchill that said “ Never give up, Never give in”. There may be snow on the ground today, but Spring will soon be here. Lift up your head our redemption drawth nigh.
Not No, Just Not Yet,
Pastor Tom and Sherri
