The Danger of Waiting for Your Ship to Come In

The Danger of Waiting for Your Ship to Come In – 

Stop Waiting, Start Acting: How Faithfulness in the Little Things Unlocks God’s Blessings:

We’ve all heard the saying, “When my ship comes in…” It’s a phrase filled with hope and anticipation, a promise of future blessings and abundance. But what if I told you that waiting for your “ship” could actually be hindering your breakthrough?

For years, I witnessed people, including fellow Christians, fall into the trap of making grand promises about what they would do “when their blessing time comes.” They’d vow to give generously to the church, bless the poor, or expand their ministry. But sadly, when their “ship” finally arrived, those promises often went unfulfilled.

I remember the Lord speaking clearly to me about this, saying, “If you are not doing NOW in a measure what you say you would do THEN, when your blessing comes, then it is highly unlikely you will do anything different.”

This principle resonated deeply with me. I recalled times in my own life when I struggled with poverty, longing to give liberally to ministries that had blessed me. My late wife, Kitty, shared this desire. When we married, she brought out a stack of giving envelopes from ministries that had impacted her. Despite our limited means, we decided to give to each one, sacrificially offering the best gift we could afford.

Looking back, I realize that our faithfulness in those small acts of giving paved the way for greater blessings. We didn’t wait for our “ship” to come in; we acted in faith with what we had.

The Biblical Perspective

This principle of acting in faith, even with limited resources, is deeply rooted in Scripture. Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God doesn’t come with observation (Luke 17:20-21). In other words, passively waiting for something to happen isn’t the catalyst for breakthrough. We must actively participate in God’s Kingdom work.

The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) further illustrates this truth. The servants who were entrusted with talents were expected to invest and multiply them, not bury them and wait.

The Deception of “Get Rich Quick” Schemes

Sadly, many Christians have fallen prey to the allure of “get rich quick” schemes, believing that instant wealth is the answer to their problems. I’ve known individuals who invested heavily in devalued currencies, hoping for a sudden revaluation that would make them millionaires. They had grand plans for how they would use their newfound wealth to bless others and advance God’s Kingdom. But years passed, and nothing changed.

One heartbreaking story involved a dear friend who poured his resources into these ventures, eagerly anticipating the day he would become a billionaire. He waited and waited, but his “ship” never came in. He died penniless.

These schemes are a deception, diverting our focus from the true source of blessing and provision. The Lord spoke to me clearly about this, saying that if those who invested in these worthless dreams had instead put their resources into His Kingdom, they would have experienced their breakthrough already.

The Alternative: Faithfulness in the Little Things

So, what’s the alternative to waiting for your “ship” to come in? It’s simple: act in faith with what you have.

• Start small: Even if you can only give a small amount, give it cheerfully and with a willing heart.
• Be consistent: Make giving a regular part of your life, even when it’s sacrificial.
• Trust God: Believe that He will honor your faithfulness and multiply your efforts.

Remember the story of the widow’s mite (Mark 12:41-44). Jesus commended her for giving her all, even though it was just two small coins. Her sacrificial giving was more valuable in God’s eyes than the large contributions of the wealthy.

Personal Testimony

I’ve experienced the truth of this principle firsthand. When Kitty and I were struggling financially, we made a conscious decision to prioritize giving. We tithed faithfully and gave to ministries that had blessed us, even when it meant sacrificing other things.

Over time, we saw God’s faithfulness unfold in our lives. He provided for our needs, opened doors of opportunity, and blessed us beyond what we could have imagined.

Points for Reflection:

• Are you waiting for your “ship to come in” before taking action in your life?
• What promises have you made to yourself or others that you’ve delayed fulfilling?
• What are some small steps you can take today to act in faith with what you have?
• How can you cultivate a spirit of generosity and giving, even in your current circumstances?
• Do you believe that God honors faithfulness in the little things?

Call to Action:

• Identify one area where you’ve been waiting for a “breakthrough” before taking action.
• Commit to taking one small step today towards fulfilling your goals or promises.
• Pray for God’s guidance and provision as you step out in faith.
• Share your experience with someone you trust and encourage them to do the same.
• Celebrate the small victories along the way and remember that faithfulness is key.

Conclusion

Don’t wait for your “ship” to come in before you start living a life of generosity and Kingdom impact. Act in faith with what you have today, and watch as God pours out His blessings upon you. Remember, faithfulness in the little things unlocks the door to greater blessings.

Let’s start a conversation! Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How have you seen God bless your faithfulness in giving, even when you had little to give?