Delaying Your Own Blessing

Hebrews 3:7-8

7Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you will hear His voice, 8Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of the trial in the wilderness.

Did you know that when the Israelites were in the desert they were in a trial? It was a long trial as it took 40years for them to go just a few steps. But God didn't keep them there just because He had nothing better to do. The Israelites delayed their own blessing by an entire generation due to their rebellion and grumbling. Can you imagine waiting 40years for something God promised you because you hardened your heart? It wasn't that God didn't want to give it to you but that you failed to be in the right position spiritually and physically to receive your blessing. Are you in a desert right now? How many years have you been there? Note that God still provided for the Israelites while they were in the desert but Moses spent so much time before God's face to keep back wrath because they were that rebellious regardless of how many times God performed miracles. God is still providing for you in your desert. The desert for each person is different. It's whatever aspect of your life that could be filled with God's favor or double portion of grace that simply is not.


Many take for granted the ability to hear God through the Holy Spirit. But what will happen when He goes quiet:? What will you do? To be able to hear God through the Holy Spirit is a precious gift. But when a gift goes unused or unopened, it can be taken away. What does it mean to hear? Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines hear as 1) to perceive by the ear; 2) to gain knowledge of by hearing: learn; 3) heed: also attend; 4) to give a legal hearing to or take testimony from. If you have the ability to hear God through His Holy Spirit, through His word count it as more precious than rubies. Count it as pearls that you find hidden in clam shells. But more importantly, do as the Holy Spirit instructs before He takes away your ability to hear.