Time is an important factor in the process of unfoldment. Nothing comes into existence instantly. There is always a period between a conception, or planting a seed, and a birth. And then, nothing is born mature and fully developed. We should remember it as we think in terms of faith.

Let us take a look at the following parable of Jesus:

"And He said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knows not how.
For the earth brings out fruit of itself, first the blade, then the ear, after that the full grain in the ear.
But when the fruit has been brought out, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come".
Mark 4:26-29

The Master gave an incredible lesson of what we can and should expect when we activate laws of faith in our life.

First, Jesus spoke of underground development of a seed which was sown. This growth is not apparent to human eyes. Doesn't it relate to experiences of many Truth seekers? They may pray, waiting for immediate divine intervention - but nothing happens. Often these delays bring them to the point of tension, anxiety, and disappointment. They begin to question whether spiritual laws are real. They may cry, "Where are you, God?" What they really need is to relax and to allow divine plan for their situation to unfold.

But let us suppose that those people waited for some time - before appearance of the blade. Blade looks like simple grass. It seems to be fruitless. There comes another temptation for them to become frustrated and to quit. "I've been waiting for positive results, and what do I see? Nothing useful!"

The lesson of Jesus in this parable is the one of trust and gratitude. "The earth brings out fruit of itself", - through the process of gradual evolution. So does the universal substance. There should be no rush and no attempts to speed up the process on our side.

After we planted our positive, determinate, and constructive thoughts into the rich soil of God's substance, let us stay detached from it. After we've done our part, let us not seek to control what happens. Let us trust. Laws of Being work by themselves, they don't need to be enforced.

While we are waiting for the final and the most satisfying demonstration, we need to be grateful.

It has been already said that Abraham in the Bible is the symbol of unfolding faith. He is the person who was set as an example to all believers. Among many other things, Abraham is known for his gratitude in the face of opposing circumstances.

There was a promise given to him by God. Years passed, but this promise was still unfulfilled. What did Abraham do?

"He did not stagger at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God,
and being fully persuaded that what God had promised, He was also able to perform".
Romans 4:20,21

Abraham gave glory to God for that which was not manifested, but potentially existed in God. Gratitude was the natural expressed of the highest form of faith that he possessed - the one we are called to develop. Why? Because gratitude for riches of the invisible substance makes them visible. It is one of the vital secrets of faith.

We may start by being grateful for what we see and experience. It is amazing how people take for granted too many things, such as life, freedom, family relations, friendship, good health, financial abundance. Let us be thankful to the Source of our being for all blessings we enjoy. Gratitude will serve like a magnet, and it will attract more good to us. Let us not whine and complain even if some of our expectations are not fulfilled, because negative attitude is the forerunner of greater losses and failures. In spite of all problems and challenges, our lives are always filled with blessings - if our eyes are open to see them.