Wait — a purposeful theme woven throughout the pages of Scripture. The call to be available and ready, yet inactively awaiting an expected outcome.
Abraham waited 25 years for his promised child.
Joseph waited 12 years from the pit to the palace.
Moses waited 40 years in the desert before God called him to deliver His people from Egypt.
The people of Israel waited (and wandered) 40 years in the desert before seeing the Promised Land.
David waited 15 years to become king.
Jesus waited 30 years before entering His 3-year ministry.
And the world now waits 2000+ years for Christ’s return.
In all of these stories, deep purpose was intertwined within the weight of waiting. Like the people of Scripture, it’s a holding period we too venture through in life. As we do so, we must wait with trust in the Faithful One, remain confident in Him, understand it’s not in vain, choose not to make our own way, and determine not to give up. He will make everything beautiful in His timing.
Key Verse: He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11
Waiting on God Requires Trust
The over awareness of our situation can overshadow our awareness of God’s presence, protection, and provision. Our eyes tend to remain fixed on life rather than the Giver of life. During seasons of waiting, we must trust He is working behind the scenes for our good and His glory. Ask God to sift through your feelings, giving Him permission to reveal areas of doubt. Ask Him to help you rest and trust in His unfailing love.
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- Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8
Waiting on God with Confidence
Though David was waiting for God’s deliverance, he remained confident that He would see it fulfilled. It’s easy to become discouraged, distracted and dismayed. Have you lost confidence in something you’re waiting on God to fulfill? Meditate on this verse, asking God for a fresh revelation of Him during this holding period.
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I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14
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Waiting On God Is Hard, But Not In Vain
Jeremiah saw trouble in his life. Thrown down a well and left for dead. Beaten and put in stocks. Mistreated by all, including his own. But he continued to remember God’s faithfulness to see him through. His story reminds us of how waiting on God is hard, but not in vain. Like Jeremiah, God has a plan and a purpose, a hope-filled future for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). It’s during these times God becomes our hope, further developing our perseverance and character. Spend time in prayer seeking the lesson He desires for you to learn.
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Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:21-24
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Waiting on God Rather than Making Your Own Way
During Abraham and Sarah’s long wait for Isaac, Sarah lost hope in the promise and took things into her own hands. In her attempt to make a way, she created a battle that rages on to this day. God’s power to move on her (and our) behalf is far beyond our power to force movement and change. Seek God’s ability to resist the sense of urgency to make things happen. God’s voice propels, it never pushes.
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- But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. Romans 8:25
Waiting on God Without Giving Up
Our timing rarely meets God’s timeline in agreement. We want things now. God wants us to trust. If you have been waiting for an answer, a change, a glimmer of something on the horizon, I want to encourage you not to become weary and give up. You will reap a harvest at the proper time. In the meantime, ask God where He wants you to work and where He wants you to rest.
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- Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
The more we focus on and recall His faithfulness in the past, the more confident we are in times of waiting. So grab a journal and a pen, and spend some quiet time in His presence.
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I came across this while in my prayer room praying for my twin great nephews. You see they were born at 24 weeks. We are believing for a miracle in both babies. Jonah and Elijah . God allowed me to this and to share it with my nephew no his wife. I know god is doing a great thing. Thank you for these word. So comforting at this time in our family. ❤️🙏🏻 Tonya.