Year of Realization - Day 55: God’s plans often require patience.

“So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther’s banquet. On this second occasion, while they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, “Tell me what you want, Queen Esther. What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom!””

‭‭Esther‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬

In his book, The Hundred-Year Marathon: China’s Secret Strategy to Replace America as the Global Superpower, Michael Pillsbury (defense policy advisor), reveals China's secret strategy to supplant the United States as the world's dominant power by 2049 (the one-hundredth anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China).

Pillsbury explains how that for over forty years, the United States has actually played a key role in helping the Chinese government build a booming economy, develop its scientific and military capabilities, and take its place on the world stage. Seemingly, the “strategy” for doing so was/is to make China a good “partner” in trade, etc.

Though not our focus for our purposes today, I will say that that strategy isn’t working out very well for us. Indeed, it appears we have helped build the means for our own demise.

The point in bringing this up concerning China’s plan is to note that they have been very patient as they consistently and relentlessly work toward their goal; and it’s working.

Sadly, not possessing patience can cause persons or countries to never stick to something long enough to see the plan to completion.

On Day 38 of “Year of Realization” we noted that it’s not about the strategy, but about obedience, in terms of attaining victory through God’s plan. Today we note that obedience is often impossible without patience.

“For you have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised. For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:36-37‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Indeed, we are to clothe ourselves with patience!

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬, ‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus—in speaking of the coming persecution—gave this instruction:

“By your [patient] endurance [empowered by the Holy Spirit] you will gain your souls.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭21:19‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In our opening scripture we see that it is time for Esther‘s second banquet for Haman and the king. Now, I don’t know about you, but it would’ve been difficult for me to not spill the beans about Haman’s plan at that first banquet. But apparently, in order for this plan to work, in order for God‘s plan to work, Esther had to be patient. We will soon see if that patience pays off.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#yearofrealization