Waiting period is a very sensitive period! That period, when we are waiting for the manifestation of the promises of God to manifest is a time that doubt and discouragement will connive to steal from us what the Lord is about to place in our hands.
It is a time riddled with frustration! Having come to Shiloh several years now I believe, Hannah still did not conceive. She had the love of her husband but no child “yet”. At this time Hannah knew God was able to give her a child and so she had been praying all these years persistently. 1 Samuel 1:1-18 . Imagine the horror on her face each month she sees her menstrual period. Can you relate?
Friends maybe yours is not about conception, could it be your marriage in shamble, the loneliness, taunts, accusations, insinuations and heartache accompanying it. Your waiting for Mr Right and Mrs Right to come along, while your friends are planning weddings and your unbelieving acquaintances are changing boyfriends and girlfriends like a cloak and no one even asked you out for coffee. The illness that seems to defy medicine with all your fasting and prayers, the joblessness and working below your potential and the financial limitations at par with it mocking and questioning your faith. Is it your child, spouse, in laws, friends, business, ministry that you have a burden for and it seems God is not picking up your call.
This is a period we need to be more sensitive in. When it seems there is no response to your request and you have done all you could. Be watchful, for the enemy will come in its subtlety to offer you counterfeit. He offered it to Jesus Christ in Matthew 4:1-11. Oh, you think you are immune to it! The scripture says those who think they stand should watch less they fall. Do not lean on your own understanding.
Counterfeit will not necessarily be offered by your haters, it could come from those in authority over you, it most likely could come from those close to you, those held in high esteem, loved and honored! Jacob and Esau comes to play here. Esau was hungry and Jacob had just made a meal, let me bring it home. Jacob got a coupon for three course meal for 3 people at the price of one at let say Marriott Hotels, or may be at the Kegs. He could not possibly finish it since Dad and Mum are on a diet or eat only home cooked meals, Esau realized. Read the full story in Genesis 25:29-34, 27: 1- end. Esau asked for a portion and Jacob offered him only on the condition of relinquishing his birthright.
How often as believers do we sell our birthright for a morsel of food. We relinquish something of great value for a spare change, choosing to dine with the devil than wait for God’s appointed timing. Yes, I realize that we get so pressured sometime that we feel the only option is to give in to counterfeit! Thank God for always making a way of escape, this is why we need to be discerning and live by faith not by sight. If you do not stand in your faith, you will not stand at all. Isaiah 7:9b
The enemy will present counterfeit as original, it can only be detected by the eyes of the spirit. Feed your spirit man!!!!! Read your bible, meditate on the Word, cultivate a relationship with the person of the Holy Spirit. He is our guide, talk to Him more, let Him guide you. You see, I have learnt in a very hard way and I have resolve to befriend the Holy Spirit. It pays to be regarded as “chicken liver” weak, slow and what not but be safe than sorry.
Friends, remain confident of this, you and I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalms 27:13-14
Shalom! Shalom! Shalom!
Radiant Glory Of Love 
Very good post! Extremely relevant in the times that are coming ahead!
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