Proverbs 13:12 Hope you deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life( NKJV).
Years back, I discussed with a pastor who wanted to start a church planting work in a city. He told me how the church will gather thousands in about 3 years. His dreams were grandiose but unrealistic.
The number of years he projected passed but those things he expected didn't happen. I'm not doubting that God may have made such promises to Him but it was clear that he failed to understand the processes involved in the fulfilment of God's promises. He spoke as though it will happen automatically.
For anyone who has very high expectations, to avoid being discouraged, you need to understand there are processes involved.
God uses time to process us for the promise. The reason for discouragement often is because we set sight on the promises alone but we do not submit to the process neither do we recognize that length of time is a tool in the fulfilment of God's promises.
When God told Sarah and Abraham that they would give birth to a son, God has the power to make Sarah conceive immediately and give birth within 24 hours. However, God subjected Sarah to the normal gestation period of nine months common to every woman. God doesn't boycott process.
God may have told you very sweet and wonderful things about your life. Wonderful prophetic words may have come to you in time past but everything around you may seem like your journey is on a standstill. Do not be discouraged.
How do you think Joseph felt when he was sold to slavery, found himself in the house of Potiphar and promoted to the prison despite having great dreams? Put yourself in his shoes. I'm pretty sure you'll be discouraged. If I were in his shoes, I may doubt if God truly spoke to me.
However, the scriptures has taught us to exercise patience and add the value of faith to it so we can obtain the promise: "We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."(Heb 6:12).
Dearest, God is not a magician. He will take you through phases and stages of maturation before launching you into the fullness of His promise.
You must realize that each milestone achieved gets you closer to the ultimate fulfilment of the promise. Don't be discouraged, submit to the process.
Father, I receive the inner strength to withstand discouragement. Lord, I'll go for you wherever you send me, anywhere, any day anytime, in Jesus name. Amen