Prophetic Mentoring

Over the years I have discussed the importance of journaling and how it has helped me recall so many promises God has spoken over my life and our ministry. Several times a year I find myself going over the last 18 years of journals and keeping "old" promises alive and fresh in my mind. I can't begin to tell you who valuable (and life saving) this "spiritual discipline" has become in my life.By doing this I always walked away being encouraged and keeping these promises that have not come to pass in PRAYER. Sometimes people come up to me after a meeting and say something like, "Remember that word you gave me five weeks ago? Well, it hasn't happened yet." The implication being that since five weeks has gone by that the word I gave is somehow incorrect or inaccurate. I chuckle to myself when people start talking in this manner. I usually gently remind them that Caryl and I have more than a few prophetic words that are over 10 years old and we are still praying and believing for them.Can I say something obvious?We live in a culture where "waiting" is not a popular thing to do. Who likes to wait for anything? I don't! No one like to wait in lines at stores or in restuarants.....no one likes to wait at the drive-up window.....no one like to wait in line to vote. The list is endless. Why does waiting seem to be so inconvenient? Do we really need to be hurrying from one thing to the other? Why does waiting seem like such a waste of time to so many people?

We live in a culture that values, encourages and rewards phrases like:Keep moving!
Go for it!He who hesitates is lost.You need momentum to get ahead.Lead or get out of the way.Full speed ahead.Hustle, hustle, hustle.

What do the Scriptures saying about waiting? Can waiting be beneficial?

Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength, They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1There are plenty more verses that we could list here. I'd encourage you to understand the importance of waiting and not "panicking" or getting "stressed out" when God seems far away. He does hear your prayers. He knows your name. He knows where you live. He is for you and not against you.Hold on to the promises God has given you over the years. We need not give up so easily and become discouraged. Press into to every promise you have received.