One time, I met a 106-year-old man in our lobby after a church service. He was so happy, so full of joy. He looked like he was 70 years old. He was an African-American man, and he didn’t have a single wrinkle. I commented on how great he looked, how young and how vibrant he was. I really couldn’t believe he was 106. As long as I live, I will never forget what he said back to me. He looked me in the eye and put his hand on his face and said, “Joel, black don’t crack.” He was so funny that I asked him how long he planned on living. He told me that he has seven children, and one of his sons had gotten off course and was not serving God. He said, “Joel, I can’t die yet because God promised ‘as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’” I love that attitude! This man can’t die until he sees God bring every promise to pass!
In scripture, David had an attitude like this, but it wasn’t always easy. He was anointed to be king at 17 years of age, but he didn’t take the throne until he was 30. For 13 years, he had a lot coming against him. King Saul was jealous of him and tried to kill him. Even though David didn’t do anything wrong, he had to live on the run, hiding in the caves. Year after year, I’m sure he thought, “God, did I hear You wrong? Is it ever going to happen?” At one point, a man named Nabal insulted David. He wouldn’t give David’s men any food even though they had been protecting his property. This set David off. He was furious. I don’t think it was as much about what Nabal did as it was that he had 13 years of pent up frustration on the inside. He’d heard the voice again and again, “Look at you, man. You’re supposed to be a king. You’re out here living like a cave man.” David and his men set out toward Nabal’s property. They were going to wipe him out. But along the way, a young lady showed up by the name of Abigail. This was Nabal’s wife. She said, “David, you’re the next king of Israel. You’re destined to take the throne. Why are you going to go mess with my husband?” That’s like swatting a little fly. She reminded David what God had spoken over him. David said, “You know what? You’re right. I know there’s a promise in me, and I’m not going to let the fact that it’s taken a long time cause me to get frustrated and make a poor decision that could hinder my destiny.” He turned around and went back home.
Remember, life will try to push you down, steal your dreams and talk you into settling for mediocrity. But I want you to have this new attitude: what God started in your life, He is going to finish. The real question is: Will you keep believing even though it looks impossible? Will you stay in faith even though every voice tells you that it’s not going to happen? Will you hold on to the promise in you?