It’s easy to be discouraged when it seems like it’s taking an eternity to see answered prayer, whether that’s actually weeks or years. Jesus said, If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. (John 15:7) That’s a promise. He absolutely promises to answer, but you have to be faithful to believe that He will.

Good things come to those who wait.

Look at your promises like presents under a Christmas tree. There they all are, all wrapped up in gorgeous bows, glittering with divine expectation. You know exactly what’s in some of them. You can pick them up, shake them, and  listen for telltale assurance. Some are a mystery and will be a complete surprise when you get to open them.

Each gift comes with a tag that says, With All My Love, Jesus. The gift has been given. It’s yours. It has your name on it. You can go to it and look at it anytime you want, because it has been given. You are just waiting for the time it can be opened.

Every time you go to look at those gifts, thank God for giving it, just as you would thank anyone who gives you a gift. You don’t wait until you open it to thank them. Enjoy the fact that God has blessed you with the gifts that you asked for, and more than you haven’t. I think there might be something connected to our level of thankfulness and the length of time we wait to open them.

Do you have presents under the tree? Go pick up each one and thank God for giving it. Let the anticipation of opening it flow out through gratitude that God loves you so much.