Welcome to our Sunday Talks, an exclusive series for the patrons of the inspirational living podcast.

Today's talk was edited and adapted from Things to Live

for by James Russell Miller, published in 1896. A great deal is said in the Bible about waiting for God, but God often waits for us.

We fail many times to receive the blessing he has ready for us, because we do not go forward with him.

Yes, there are times when we are to stand still, but there are also times when we are to go forward

with a firm step. Difficulties and obstacles lie before us, seeming to block our way. Beyond these

hindrances are fields filled with beauty and treasure. Honors wait there for us. If only we could pass over,

we would be rich. Our life would be nobler and stronger, but between us and those heights

of privilege, attainment and achievement, runs a seemingly impassable river. The voice of the divine life within us calls us to go on to

win and possess the fair lands that shine before us. But we think of the river and say,

if God will open the way through it, then I shall pass over.

Then we sit down in our hampered environment to wait for God to take the obstacle away.

But he will never do it while we wait.

We must rise up in the strength of our faith and say, The voice of God is calling me, and the hand of God

will make the way for me, through these seemingly impassable barriers, to the lofty heights

beyond. When duty calls, we have nothing whatever to do with hindrances and difficulties.

It is ours only to obey the call.

Even though obedience seems impossible.

God waits to come to us with divine help,

but He will not come while we sit still in weakness and fear.

The moment we begin to try to obey his voice, his power will begin to flow into our heart.

Then as we go on, he will work in us and with us, preparing the way for us.

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