I once read about a theologian who tried to remove bamboo from his backyard. The first time he cut it down, it grew back twice as tall, twice as green, and twice as strong, and he was completely astonished. The second time, he cut it down to at least a foot below where he had cut it before, and to his amazement, it came back even taller. The third time, he cut it all the way down, dug a hole, filled it with poison and salt, and covered it with gravel and concrete. He thought for sure he had taken care of the problem that time; however, it wasn’t too long before those pesky shoots began poking through the concrete too. Talk about strong and determined! 

My friend, God’s nature is like that bamboo — He is unhurried and unstoppable. Though it takes time to see His work come to fruition, nothing will keep Him from bringing forth a harvest. If you’ve been waiting too long to see your hopes and dreams manifest and you are frustrated by His seemingly slow and illogical timing, don’t lose heart. While much of the work He does is beneath the surface, once it shoots up, nothing can stop its force. Your life is in the Lord’s Hands, and His vast power — the same force that created the universe — is working in and through you as you wait. When you are tempted to throw in the towel, remember the example of bamboo and encourage yourself in the truth that nothing can stop the slow and steady momentum of Almighty God!

*If you’re unable to attend your local church or need an extra dose of weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.