OPENING PRAYER: Father, please fulfill all Your promises to me in this new year, 2021

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The leader should ask one of the members to explain the word ‘greed’.

MEMORY VERSE: “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” – Habakkuk 2:3

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The bible is full of stories of people that were waiting upon God’s promises to be fulfilled. Some saw it as being unusually delayed so they decided to help themselves by doing what God would ordinarily not expect them to do. While some took God by His word and waited till God’s set time, and their joy both within and without was unspeakable. Statistics in the bible have explicitly shown that God always fulfills His promise(s) especially when it appears to man to have been delayed.

God has His own timetable and at the time appointed by Him, He will fulfill His promises. – Psalm 102:13

TEXT REVIEW: 1 Samuel 1:5-20

i. God’s timing is the best time.

ii. God’s faithfulness is ever sure.

LESSON OUTLINES:

A: THOSE THAT EXPERIENCED DELAY BEFORE RECEIVING THEIR BLESSINGS:

1: HANNAH: She was mocked as barren and God gave her a national Prophet – Samuel and five other children. – 1 Samuel 1:1-21

2: JOSEPH: God made all his dreams to come to pass in Egypt. – Genesis 37:2-10; Genesis 41:37-40

3: ZACHARIAS AND ELIZABETH: At their old age God gave them John the Baptist. – Luke 1:13-20; 57-64

4: Despite God’s promises, Abraham waited for twentyfive years before God gave him Isaac. – Genesis 12:2; 15:4-6; 21:1-5

5: Before David became King of Judah and later the King of Israel, he waited for about 15-17 years despite Samuel’s anointing. – 1 Samuel 16:1-13; 2 Samuel 2:4

B: WHAT TO DO WHILE WAITING:

(i) Put all your trust on God (Proverbs 3:5). Know that He cannot lie or fail (Numbers 23:19).

(ii) Have faith in God always (Hebrews 11:1).

(iii) Live holy (1 Peter 1:15-16; Matthew 5:48).

(iv) Pray and thank God always (Philippians 4:6).

(v) Do not listen to alternative advices from people (Matthew 24:23; Luke 17:23).

ACTIVITY: Is God a liar?

SUMMARY: Have the assurance that whatever God promises you, He will surely fulfill same.

CONCLUSION: Be resolute that whatsoever God has said He will do. That is exactly what He will do no matter the delay. Please do not take any alternative route.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, thank You for Your word of encouragement today.

2. Father, every root of delay in my life, I command it to be uprooted now, in Jesus name.

3. Father, anything that is causing delay in marriage among our youth, be destroyed now in Jesus name.

4. Father, please fulfill all your outstanding promises to RCCG.

5. Pray for Daddy G.O. and his family.

ASSIGNMENT: Diligently carry out all the daily tasks outlined in the GOLDEN DIET below.

GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY: Genesis 12:1-5; 15:3-4; Genesis 17:15-16; 21:1-5 – Abraham waited for twenty five years to have Isaac.

TUESDAY: 1 Samuel 16:1-13; 2 Samuel 2:4 – David waited for about 15 years after his anointing before becoming King of Judah and subsequently King of Israel.

WEDNESDAY: Genesis 39; Genesis 40; Genesis 41 – Joseph waited patiently for his time.

THURSDAY: Habakkuk 2:3 – God has an appointed time for you. Wait for it.

FRIDAY: Pray in tongues for one hour.

SATURDAY: 1 Samuel 30:1-5 – Follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

SUNDAY: Worship God for one hour.