Treasured Time
2 Peter 3:3 knowing this first, that in the last days mockers shall come with mockery, walking after their own lusts, 4 and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. (ASV)
So often the very thing that is part of and essential to the solution is seen as a detractor or reason to disbelieve. Rather than embracing it, there is an offense to it and ultimately rejection of the very thing that could have brought deliverance and safety.
Not only did Noah get to work on the seemingly endless ‘arc project’, but he was constantly taunted by those who saw each passing day as further reason to disbelieve. For him, though, there was great appreciation for each moment of the 120 years it took to build it. Rather than getting frustrated with how long it was taking and doubting, he understood the magnitude of the project and how necessary was every day in the construction process. Without the length of time, there would be no salvation for him and his family.
When Jacob set his heart on acquiring Rachel, every day of the seven years he worked to get her was well worth the promised reward. Then, when tricked and required to work an additional 7 years, he continued to value whatever it would take to have Rachel as his wife. If he would have given in to doubt that he would ever be with her, each passing day would have just been an added agitation, but for him it was seen as bringing him that much closer to his prize. Every day of hard work became a reason to be encouraged and glad rather than depressed and overwhelmed with doubt. By valuing the very thing that was bringing him nearer to his heart’s passion, he allowed it to fulfill its function and produce the treasure of life.
The greatest things in life often have the longest wait and the hardest work that precede their acquisition. It would be so wonderful to become a real doctor or lawyer by just filling in a form online, but if you really want to help someone and bring answers to needy people it will require at least 8 years of difficult formal study along with ongoing education for life. The musician and the athlete, no matter how talented will have to endure long years of study and practice, each day of which is essential to the level of excellence that will make them a success. Those few who embrace this process rather than let it become a reason to doubt are the very ones who will know the fulfillment of their heart’s desire.
There may be taunting voices that are heard as the sun rises on another day that is part of the acquiring process. They may be reminding you that here again is reason to doubt the validity of the prize, that surely if it were coming it would have already arrived. How tragic it would have been for mankind, though, if Noah would have given up the day before the first rain drop, and Jacob’s impatience could have altered the very lineage of Jesus, the Messiah. Their appreciation of the process brought salvation not only to them, but to countless others who would benefit from their persistence. Keeping the eye on the prize through whatever it will take to obtain it will disable the power of the voices and bring salvation ever nearer with the passing of each treasured moment.
Heb 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.