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{Proof That the Heavenly Trade is the Best Trade
The Heavenly Trade Is the Most Profitable Trade
The Heavenly Trade Brings Quick Returns
But We Must Often Wait Patiently for God to Answer}
OBJECTION: What is the reason then, that God’s people complain of God not hearing and deferring an answer to their requests? And, why are believers taught patience and endurance after they have done the will of God, if the return of their faith and duties were so quick? The experience and complaint of the people of God in all ages is that God seems to not hear their prayers and to delay His help.
God Will Help at Exactly the Best Time
{Proof That the Heavenly Trade is the Best Trade
The Heavenly Trade Is the Most Profitable Trade
The Heavenly Trade Brings Quick Returns
But We Must Often Wait Patiently for God to Answer
God Will Help at Exactly the Best Time}
SOLUTION 1: The saint’s returns are actually quick because they come at exactly the correct time. God never delays to perform His word exactly when the believer has need of it;251 He will surely hear. “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). When the soul is in real need, then God will surely pay. “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them” (Isaiah 41:17 ESV). When a believer becomes needy, then God will not withhold help any longer, but will help. He has promised: “The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing” (Psalm 34:10 NKJV).
{Proof That the Heavenly Trade is the Best Trade
The Heavenly Trade Is the Most Profitable Trade
The Heavenly Trade Brings Quick Returns
But We Must Often Wait Patiently for God to Answer
God Will Repay Our Patience}
SOLUTION 2: If the Lord does not pay presently, He will pay interest on it; believers will lose nothing due to God’s delay.252 “Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, And His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him” (Isaiah 40:10 NKJV). There is not only a reward for work done, but also a reward for patient waiting for His promises. Their mercy will be so much the sweeter for their lack of it and their waiting for it. Oh, how welcome are long-awaited mercies when they arrive; then every mercy is doubled. God tried Job by withholding mercy, but see the end of Job: God paid double for what He took and withheld from him (Job 42:10).253 Returns at the needful and seasonable time are sure; if God delays, He will pay well for it.
The Saints Are Often the Cause of the Delay
{Proof That the Heavenly Trade is the Best Trade
The Heavenly Trade Is the Most Profitable Trade
The Heavenly Trade Brings Quick Returns
But We Must Often Wait Patiently for God to Answer
The Saints Are Often the Cause of the Delay}
SOLUTION 3: I might add this also: many times wisdom’s merchants are the cause of these delays by their unfaithfulness in their trade or their unfitness for their returns. “Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich” (Proverbs 10:4 NASB). Souls who are active and faithful in the whole of Christianity will have no cause to complain about God’s lack of payment.
This concludes the demonstration of the point that the heavenly trade is the best trade and there is no merchandise like wisdom’s merchandise.
251People have their opinions pertaining to need. But God knows exactly what is best for everyone.
252This paragraph must be understood from an eternal perspective; eternal rewards are absolutely certain, whereas any earthly rewards are at God’s sovereign pleasure.
253“The Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold” (Job 42:10 NASB).
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