BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 66:10-14
[10]Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:
[11]That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.
[12]For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.
[13]As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
[14]And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like a herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies.
MEMORY VERSE: “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12.
INTRODUCTION: Hope is a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen. However, when there is an uncomfortable or prolonged delay, weariness and heaviness of the heart may set in. Sometimes, while in this valley of life, we fast, pray, work smart and even sow seeds of faith in our bid to find solutions, yet, there might still be a delay. In this lesson, we shall consider biblical examples and winning strategies while waiting.
OUTLINES:
1. SOME BIBLICAL INSTANCES
2. WHAT TO DO WHILE WAITING
1. SOME BIBLICAL INSTANCES
There were Bible characters who, despite their relationship with God, waited painfully and hoped patiently for their expectations to be met and were not disappointed in the long run (Prov.23:18; Rom.5:5). For instance, Abraham/Sarah as well as Hannah waited long for the ‘fruit of the womb’ – children (Gen.15:2; 1 Sam.1:2). David hoped painfully for deliverance from King Saul and his enemies (1Sam.19:18; Ps.3:1). Joseph had a dream that he would be great but was thrown into the pit, sold into slavery and imprisoned (Gen.37:5). Job lost his children, business, and health suddenly and hoped for restoration (Job 1:13-20; 14:7, 14). The children of Israel laboured and suffered for 430 years in Egypt before God sent Moses to liberate them (Ex.12:40). The widow of the indebted prophet was exhausted until she cried to the prophet (2Kgs.4:1).
Abraham and Sarah were visited by God and they got Isaac (Gen.21:1-5). Hannah received her testimony son (1 Sam.1:20). David later got his deliverance and became a king (2 Sam.6:21). Joseph’s dream became a reality. He became the ruler over the realm of Egypt and his brothers bowed to him (Gen.42:6-7). God blessed the end of Job more than his beginning (Job 42:10). The Israelites eventually got delivered from the Egyptians (Ex.14:26-29). The indebted widow of the prophet received divine assistance (2Kgs.4:1-7). Waiting patiently on God in times of distress is key (Isa.40:28-31).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Why do you think so many people do not want to wait patiently on God to receive His promise?
2. WHAT TO DO WHILE WAITING
While waiting for your miracle:
1. Focus on the aspect of your life that is working (Isa.50:7) and give thanks to God rather than being sad over what you are yet to receive (Ps. 103:2).
2. Be optimistic about your long-awaited miracle (Ps.27:13) and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord (Lam.3:25-26).
3. Remember that God makes all things beautiful in His own time (Eccl.3:11).
4. Refuse to respond to discouragement (Mk. 10:46-52).
5. Encourage yourself in the Lord your God (1 Sam. 30:6).
6. Get your heart fixed on your purpose and aspiration (Neh.4:6).
7. Study the word of God to build your faith (Rom.10:17).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The class should discuss the dangers the following are likely to face for not waiting patiently on God:
i. An individual.
ii. The Church.
iii. The Society.
iv. The Nation.
CONCLUSION: Hopelessness can lead to despair. Do not give up on God because He never comes late.
QUESTIONS:
* Mention four (4) biblical examples of people who waited on God.
* Mention three (3) things believers need to do while waiting on God.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention (5) emotional issues associated with deferred hope (2×5=10 Marks).
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
Action Point
PS: I know you might agree with some of the points raised in this article or disagree with some of the issues raised.
Please share your thoughts on the topic discussed. We would appreciate it if you could drop your comment. Thanks in anticipation.
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