It is so hard to wait, it even seems impossible sometimes. We make plans, we set goals and we put a time frame for each item on our list and expect each thing to result in a positive outcome. Unfortunately, that’s not always how things turn out.
The honest truth is that when we create our goals and our lists, a lot of times we are leaving out the most important factor - and that factor is God. When we leave God out of our goals and lists, honestly, they may go nowhere. There are never any guarantees that it’s all going to work out the way we envision it.
It is important to note that God does not work according to OUR schedules or OUR lists; He works according to HIS timing and HIS will for us. When we fail to remember this fact, disappointment can set in, which ultimately can lead to anger and resentment; sometimes aimed towards God and this is not a good place to be.
Should We Really Wait on God?
The Bible is full of scriptures about the importance of waiting on God. In fact, many of these scriptures even tell us what the result will be if we wait on Him. Isaiah 40:31 tells us exactly what the result of waiting on God is:
I want to point out something important…..as human beings, we see things only from our perspectives, but God sees everything from His perspective which is perfect because God is perfect. He knows exactly what is best for us and in fact, He has laid out everything for us already.
Think about it, if God already knows what’s best for us, then why is it so important for us to control every single thing in our lives? Why can’t we just let go and let God do what He does best? Luke 12:7 says “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” God knows every hair on our head, so how could He not know what is best for us?
So, to answer the question “should we really wait on God?” Yes…we should!
How do I Benefit From Waiting on God?
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
I could actually stop right here and say that Jeremiah 29:11 gives the only benefit that we need to know. Seriously, how awesome is it that God tells us exactly what He wants to give us and how sad is it that we soon forget this verse when things are not going as planned.
One benefit to waiting on God is that our strength increases because we lean on Him to provide the strength. Philippians 4:13 reveals “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Several verses of scripture are reminders that we are strong because of Him. (Read 2 Corinthians 12:10, Proverbs 18:10, Nehemiah 8:10, Isaiah 41:10).
The Bible is filled with scriptures about the strength of God and how He will provide the strength we need when we feel as if we have no strength left.
One of the greatest benefits to waiting on God, for me, has been the lesson of humility. The Bible talks about the importance of humility in our lives and how God requires it of His believers. (Read James 4:6 & 10, 1 Peter 5:5, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Luke 14:11).
Humility is tough, there’s no doubt about it, but God is perfectly clear where humility is concerned…He commands it. We are to be like Jesus in service, obedience, and self-sacrifice towards others as this is glorifies the Lord. So waiting for God to move in our lives is allowing Him to take the control that we had and humble ourselves by giving it totally and completely to Him. I can honestly say that it is better to humble myself than to have God do the humbling for me….I learned that the hard way on more than one occasion.
How Long Do I Wait On God?
Wait as long as it takes. God is going to do what He wants to do, no matter what. In Isaiah 46:10 God says: “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please’.”
Understanding God’s authority will help us to be patient as we wait in assurance for Him to work in our lives. He may not answer right away us or even give us what we think we need, but He will provide what is best for us when it is best for us. That’s for certain.
God’s timing is always perfect, and often times it’s not how long we think it should be. In fact, in 2 Peter, the Bible tells us that a day is as a thousand years to the Lord.
I guarantee you that most of the time we give up our waiting on the Lord because we run out of patience. I’m definitely guilty of this. I am sure there have been times in my life that if I have waited just a little while longer for God to complete His work, the outcome may have been even better than I thought it was.
It’s hard to remember that God does not have a deadline and that He is going to make sure that everything is exactly as it should be. This is all for His glory and there is no better reason than that.
What Can I Do While I am Waiting?
Pray - Pray for guidance, pray for strength, and pray for God’s will to be done. Ask God to place peace in your heart about waiting and give you the faith that you need to not give up. He will guide you and comfort you.
Read your Bible - Study God’s Word, especially His promises. “He will never leave you, nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6b). He will be with you through the entire waiting process. Stay focused on Him and His Word and the reasons for your time of waiting will be made clear.
Worship - When I am feeling low, I listen to worship music. I let it flow through my mind, heart and spirit and when I do, I find myself singing and praising God and the waiting becomes easier.
Create a blessing list - Write down everything good that God has blessed you with…every. single. thing. Keep the list handy and look it over as often as needed. God is going to do the same thing with your waiting period. This time is no different than any other time.
Start a gratitude journal – Or a daily gratitude list. Write down everything that you have to be thankful for each day, even the smallest of things. Like the blessing list, keep your gratitude journal handy at all times to read it over whenever you are feeling impatient. Feeling gratitude will ultimately contribute to your happiness, so it's a win-win.
Waiting on God can be hard, but the benefits of doing so are immeasurable. Trusting God in the good times is easy, but waiting for Him to move during trying times is hard, but these are the times that are so important to build faith, increase our confidence in Him and grow spiritually.
Are you waiting on God today? If so, fill out your name and email below the picture of the form to receive a "Waiting on God Worksheet" delivered to your inbox. This worksheet will help you focus on God and all of the things that He has given you everyday and during this waiting time.
May God richly bless you during your time of waiting.
Blessings,
Amy
Originally published on As My Mind Unwinds as a guest post on 01/11/2019.