DCLM Sincere Milk 11 August 2023 — Hope Deferred
DCLM Sincere Milk 10 August 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Hope Deferred
Topic: Hope Deferred
Text: Proverbs 13:7-21
8The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
9The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
10Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
11Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
12Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
13Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
14The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
15Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
16Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
17A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
18Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
19The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
20He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
21Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
Key Verse: “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12
Message
Peculiar was so happy when she received the news that she would be spending her next vacation period with her uncle in another city. She began to make preparations and was anticipating the end of the third term of the school session. When it was 3 days to the journey, the uncle called that he had an urgent journey to make and would not be available to receive her. He promised to send her some gifts on return from his journey. Peculiar was very sad and felt disappointed.
A deferred hope is a state of experiencing a delay or sudden disappointment of an expectation from a person, place or event. From our story, we saw the disappointment that Peculiar had after putting trust in her uncle. In life, disappointment can come at any time and that is why you are encouraged not to put your trust in man who can fail you. Your trust should always be in God Who can never fail, whatever He promised, He is able to perform, even if it is delayed. Whatever is your need, call upon Him and He will answer you and grant all your heart desires.
Remember if you are a sinner, the promise of God is not for you. In fact, your hope of eternal life with God in heaven is deferred. Why not repent today and accept Jesus into your life so that you can be qualified for heaven.
Further Reading: Habakkuk 2:3
Prayer for today: Lord, help me to trust You even if the answer to my request is delayed.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
