Albert Mohler recently asked on his radio show, “How do you know what excess is?” How about not only disposable cameras, but disposable video cameras? We are a people accustomed to instant gratification. Instead of full contentment in whatever situation, we demand full comfort in any situation. So, when something goes wrong, when we experience pain, when we are tested, our faith wavers when our prayers are not immediately answered.

Ps 99 tells us “Moses and Aaron were among God’s priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the Lord and he answered them.” Moses wandered in the desert for 40 years. I don’t know about you, but that would have tested my faith: “How much longer God?? Ok, I get it! I learned my lesson after one day of this! How many more days, or perhaps even weeks?” 40 years.

Interestingly, Samuel anointed Saul king who reigned miserably for…40 years. Imagine his sorrow, his temptation to regret having participated in bringing Saul to power, though it was part of God’s plan. Imagine his prayers, pleading for a new, godly king who would lead the people justly.

And the kicker is this: Moses never got out of the desert, on earth at least. He died before Israel entered the Promised Land full of gardens and homes and livestock and vineyards. And Samuel? He died while Saul was still king, before David began his reign. They called on the Lord, and he answered them.

Could it be that we are presumptuous and prideful in our expectations of God to instantly answer our every whim? Could it be that we have no idea what it means to live in the presence of God, fully satisfied with Him? Could it be that God answers prayers more often measured in lifetimes than in days and weeks?

God, that the earth would have nothing I desire besides you, and that it would be good for me simply to be near you (Ps 73).

Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. - Joshua 21:45