EVEN THOUGH

Today's reading: Joshua 21-24

"You have not deserted the other tribes, even though the campaign lasted for such a long time. You have been careful to obey the commands of the Lord your God up to the present day." Joshua 22:3 NLT

May I ask?

Just how long is too long to wait for God's answer to prayer?

What's the length of time one should pray for a certain desire?

What might the expiration date be on hope?

If you've prayed for mere minutes and had a request answered, you are pumped! You are thrilled! You are sure of the Lord hearing you and you celebrate His answer!

If you prayed for a long time. I mean a looonnnnggg time. You know what I mean by asking these questions.

The tribes of Reuben, Gad and half-tribe of Manasseh were commended for sticking it out with the other tribes to conquer the Promised Land. They stayed till the end. They stood beside their brother Israelites until the credits rolled at the end of their documentary.

Will you do the same?

Will you be commended for 'praying it through'? Will you be applauded for having faith when faith seemed so far out of reach? Will you receive your 'Well done, faithful servant' from the Lord for never, ever, ever, giving up on what He could do?

It will be worth it no matter how long it takes. No matter how prayers are prayed. No matter how many callouses end up on your knees. No matter how many tissues you go through. No matter how many times you pray the same thing over and over.

'...even though the campaign lasted for such a long time...'