“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, ‘In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.'" Hebrews 10:36-37 (NIV)

If you’re discouraged because of God’s delay in answering your prayers, understand the delay is not a denial. Just because the answer or the miracle hasn’t come yet doesn’t mean God isn’t going to answer—or that he’s forgotten you or doesn’t care about you. It simply means “not yet”!

Part of becoming spiritually mature is learning the difference between “no” and “not yet,” between a denial and a delay. The Bible tells us, “He who is coming will come and will not delay” (Hebrews 10:37 NIV).

God’s delay may be a test of your patience. Anybody can be patient once. And most people can be patient twice—or even three times. God tests your patience over and over.

Does he do this to see how patient you are? No, he does it so you can see how patient you are. His testing helps you to see God’s power at work in you and to determine your level of commitment to him.

God tests you also so that you can know he is faithful, even if the answers you seek are delayed.

You may be going through difficult times right now. You may be discouraged because the situation you face seems unmanageable, unreasonable, or unfair.

It may seem unbearable, and inside you’re basically saying, “God, I can’t take it anymore. I just can’t take it anymore!”

But you can.

You can stay with it longer because God is with you. He’ll equip you to press on.

Remember, you are never a failure until you quit. Resist discouragement, and finish the race God has set before you.

Talk It Over

• Is there a request that you’ve assumed God has answered with a “no”? Is it possible that his answer really is “not yet”? How does that change your view of the situation?
• What do you think God wants you to do in the delay when he answers “not yet”?
• What “delay” in your life is discouraging you today? Turn it around by remembering that God teaches patience during delays. Spend time in prayer, asking God to transform your discouragement into patience.
  
  

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

All Church Meeting will be held after service this Sunday. Please stay for a few minutes after service.

Church Board Elections will be held on Feb. 27

Men's Lunch: Men meet for a time of food and fellowship every 1st Tuesday of the month at noon at Flat Tire Diner (4700 Old Hickory Blvd, Old Hickory).

Youth Bunch to Lunch will be every 2nd Sunday. Teens will meet after worship for lunch and fellowship. In February, they'll meet this Sunday, February 20.

WORKERS ARE NEEDED! Please let us know if you can help in the following areas...

• ... in the Children's Department.
• ... to serve as ushers and greeters.
• ... to volunteer in the food pantry.

CHURCH CENTER: You are invited to join us on the Church Center app! Church Center is a place to connect with small groups and church events, send messages to your group, update your profile, and more! Download from the App Store and connect today. If you have trouble with setting up or updating your profile (make sure your contact information is correct!), see Jenn Houchin.

Food Pantry: The Old Hickory Nazarene location is open by appointment. Please text or call Pastor Mike at (239) 257-8035. Volunteers and non-perishable donations are needed.

Coffee Shop: Uncommon Grounds is open every Monday-Saturday from 7:00 AM-2:00 PM. Invite a friend and use this great outreach to introduce the church to your friends.

GYM: Our gym will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:00am for anyone who wants to walk.

 

BIBLE STUDIES

SUNDAYS
Debbie Woodard leads the Young Adult class in person and via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join.
Meeting ID: 868 1977 8952
Password: Bible101

Kenneth Ray & Gracie Smith lead the Friendship Class in person and via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join.
Meeting ID: 846 6822 8046
Password: Bible101

Brice Rupert leads the teens class (grades 6-12), Joey Cook leads the kids class (grades k-5), both in person at 9:00am. We have kids classes for all ages.

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP begins at 10:00am in the sanctuary. The services will continue to be live streamed on Facebook and our website home page for those unable to be with us in the church building.

OH|KIDS CHURCH for K-5th grade meets in the kids room downstairs during the worship hour at 10:00am.

TUESDAYS
Coffee & Community Bible Study every other Tuesday at 9:30am in the Coffee Shop. Next meeting is on March 1.

WEDNESDAYS
YOUTH GROUP meets from 6-8pm. The first hour will be games and snacks and the second will be the Bible study.

Wednesday Night Bible Study with Debbie Woodard is on Facebook Live (from Debbie's page) at 6:30pm.

THURSDAYS
Richard leads prayer and devotional on Thursdays at 7:00 PM via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join. You are invited to join the Thursday Night Prayer Group on the Church Center App. You can quickly submit a praise or prayer request and be in prayer for others as requests come in.
Meeting ID: 894 2501 3143
Password: Prayer605