To Wait Is to Serve by Brother Curtis Hansen

         Good morning and happy Father's Day. We are going to read from the book of Joel. If you can, turn to chapter 2 and we will be starting with verse 25. In 2026, we can read the scripture with the knowledge of what the end of the story is through the life of Jesus.

        25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

        26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

        27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and no one else: and my people shall never be ashamed.

        One of the hardest things for believers is in trusting God's power. God wants your presence. What is the definition of hell? It's the absence of God's presence. You can see the analogy of insects as different things in your life. Whether it be your living situation, your job, your money, your home and so on.

        Our problem isn't us not knowing God has power, it's being content in waiting. Joel was speaking to a people who were going through loss, suffering, and delay. A kingdom mindset is his kingdom first and then you. The enemy wants you to think God has missed, abandoned, or forgotten you.

        My first point in this message is wait on the Lord like a waiter. God wants you close to his presence. We work toward routines in our life, yet God can upend our life with a single move. In a restaurant, a good waiter is being aware, attentive, and continually following up. The biblical definition of waiting is serving. What do I do while I wait? I serve God. A waiter is always watching, and they don't jump ahead of you taking your order. A good waiter doesn't decide what the person wants. A good waiter is patient and watchful.

        Frustrated Christians try to become a chef. They try to create what God gave. Are you trusting God's time or trying to manage it? God knows the years you have lost. Look how he spoke through the prophet in the beginning of verse 25. There are examples in the bible to illustrate this point. 1) Abraham and Ishmael 2) Saul conducting the offering and sacrifice himself without the prophet Samuel. If you are trying to manage God's time, it will push you into anxiety because you become consumed with doubt. Don't get anxious.

        When you become very anxious you fixate on controlling your environment. You become legalistic in your walk. You try to control every aspect of your life. You settle for substitutes.

        My next point is do not be ashamed of him. Wait and you shall be imbued from on high. Be a witness and share your testimony. The holy ghost isn't just for you alone, it's for everyone.

        Who told you the number of criticisms and insults in your lifetime? Was it a group of poisonous people you come across in life? No. Almost all the time we are the author of our worst thoughts and actions. After Adam and Eve sinned, they began to think God said things which he didn't. The enemy cannot stop God's promise. He will try to corrupt your perception. The greatest restoration isn't anything material, it's his presence. If you entertain the wrong voice, you are trusting the wrong source.

        While you're waiting you should still be serving. Joel's promise of restoration is connected to trust. God says wait on me, trust my timing, and ignore sources that will mislead you.