Deeper Reflection
In His dealings with Nebuchadnezzar, God waited patiently for “twelve months” for him to respond to His Word (v.29). Then God acted suddenly – “While the word was in the king’s mouth…” (v.31). This sudden act was God fulfilling His Word faithfully: “Immediately the word concerning Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled” (v.33).Oftentimes, when God has spoken to us, He wants us to wait for Him to fulfil His Word. And the waiting can be long and not easy. Capture the struggle and tension of the Psalmist in waiting for God to fulfil His Word: “I long for Your salvation; I put my hope in Your Word. My eyes grow weary looking for what You have promised; I ask, ‘When will You comfort me?’” (Psa 119:81-82, CSB). There are times when we are waiting for God to fulfil His Word and His Word keeps testing us (Psa 105:18-19).On Christmas Day of 1980, I had a very painful relationship breakup, which involved a third party. I cried bitterly before God for days. On one of these days, I randomly flipped open my Bible… A verse, Jeremiah 31:16, caught my teary eyes: “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears; for your work will be rewarded.” I sensed God was speaking to me. But for the next ten years, I faced closed door upon closed door in this area of relationship. Then came November 1990, I dated a fine woman, who became my life partner. She is the best gift that God has given me. God fulfilled His word to me – after ten years.