When Dreams Tarry by Tracy Eckert

For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. Romans 4:13

What do we do when our dreams tarry? How do we respond when it feels like our promises may never come to pass? Beloved, I believe God is training us to do what Abraham did. The Bible teaches that Abraham was justified, not by works, but by faith. It was his faith that moved God. In fact, judging by his physical circumstances, when he had no reason to hope he believed God to be true to His Word. He had reasons to waver, but the Bible says, “he did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God” (Rom 4:20). Though Abraham saw no way in the natural for his promises to be fulfilled, the example of his life teaches us that it is possible, not only to endure the waiting and obtain the promises, but to be strengthened in faith through the process.

But Abraham wasn’t always such a stellar example of faith. In the book of Genesis we watch him cave in to fear by lying, not once but twice, about Sarah being his sister instead of his wife. This should give us hope. Although Abraham made mistakes, he had a heart for God and chose to grow in the waiting by believing in God regardless of what his physical eyes could see around him. And Abraham was called the friend of God (James 2:23).

Jesus, our Forerunner, was also tested in His believing. His course also required patient endurance and waiting while his dream tarried. But by choosing to remain steadfast in faith, He proved Himself faithful. Jesus was God, but also Man—this meant He had to believe for His own life just like we do. And He overcame because He stayed true and kept believing. He demonstrated perfection in the walk of faith that led to the fulfillment of the promises of God for His life. And the incredibly good news is that we have access to the same overcoming spirit that He walked in.

All of the great men and women of God throughout history have had to tarry for the promise. Why? Because, in the waiting, God is building champions of faith. That means you—He is building you into a champion of faith. So let’s talk about what to do during seasons when it seems hard to wait. First, it is so important that our words and the declaration of our lips line up with the Word of God. What we believe and what we declare about His character is especially important. Declarations push the enemy out the front door. Second, don’t give up on your promise, or get offended at people. Worship God and watch Him act on your behalf.

Additional keys for how to excel when the promise tarries:

• Keep the prophetic before you. War with words you’ve been given (1Tim 1:18).
• Pray and meditate. Have a life in God. Meditate on His Word. (Psalm 1:1-3).
• Worship Him (Psalm 136, “He is good and His mercies endure forever”).
• Determine not to quit. By your patience, possess your soul (Luke 21:7-19, Heb 6:10-15).

Remember, the disciples left everything for the promise. There were times in their journey when the promise looked dead, but it was always resurrected in the Father’s timing. Trust God’s goodness over your life—He will work things out for your good. Years ago, when I was in the midst of a very difficult trial, the Lord said to me one day, “How long are you going to let your emotions lead you? It is only My Word that will stand in your life.” Beloved, let’s repent and get real with God. He has appointed enough grace to get us through our entire lives with an overcoming spirit. Don’t let yesterday or tomorrow prevent you from enjoying the journey today. Stay with it and you, too, will obtain the promise.

And so, after he (Abraham) had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. Hebrews 6:15