Wait for God

There’s no question that God wants us to act on our own behalf and step out in faith to accomplish whatever task He has placed in our path.  However, God also wants us to exercise careful discernment in every situation.  Instant gratification is the enemy’s distraction.  God wants us to realize that some things take time to mature.  Often waiting for God to present us with the right moment to act is our best course of action.  “Those who hopefully wait for Me will not be put to shame.”  (Isaiah 49:23)  Waiting is not a popular option among most people, but waiting for God is always a wise decision.

“For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, nor has the eye seen a God besides You, who acts in behalf of one who waits for Him.”   Isaiah 64:4

Seek God’s Advice

Of course we can’t simply wait with our feet up on the desk while taking a nap.  When we wait for God, we need to do so while at the same time diligently seeking his advice.  “The Lord is good to those who await Him, to the person who seeks Him.”  (Lamentations 3:25)  God hears our prayers and takes note of every time we open our Bible or reach out for Biblical knowledge from a trusted Bible teacher.  We can be absolutely certain God will attend to our needs at the appropriate time if we sincerely seek His help.

Do Not Respond with Anger

We all have experienced the negative consequence of acting too soon.  Everyone has a story to tell about the time waiting would have rendered a more favorable result.   This is often the case when we are rudely assaulted by some form of inconsiderate behavior.  Responding in anger frequently leads to negative outcomes.  “Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and He will save you.”  (Proverbs 20:22)  Waiting for God to point the way is the right thing to do.  God will not let evil have its way.  We can be certain that God will correct all the wrongs and make them right in His perfect timing.

Growing in the Lord

God’s Creation is a perfect example of the value of waiting.  We wait for flowers to grow, we wait for fruit to ripen, we wait for our children to be born, and in all cases the outcome is glorious.  When we wait, in prayer, we move closer to God, we have the opportunity to see God working, we develop spiritual strength, and we demonstrate our trust in God.

“He gives strength to the weary, and to the one who lacks might He increases power.  Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”  Isaiah 40:29-31

God Will Make it Right

When all your efforts seem to be going nowhere, it may be a time to wait for God.  When opportunity seems to have vanished, it may be a time to wait for God.  Listen for God’s instruction as you wait.  Watch for signs from God that will point you in a new direction while you wait.  Use your waiting time to grow stronger in your faith.  God will ultimately make sure everything works according to His purpose.  When the time is right, God will reward you for your patience.  Always be praying, constantly consider the teachings found in the Bible, and demonstrate your sincere faith by waiting for God.

All scripture references are linked to Bible Gateway so that you can read each verse in context.  Bible Gateway allows you to change the verse to your favorite translation and compare it side-by-side with multiple translations.  In addition, you can select to hear an audio version of any verse by clicking on the speaker icon.  Keep the Bible Gateway App on your phone so that you can visit the Word of God at any time during your day.

The Book