Waiting

<<time delay>>

Waiting involves a time component and is difficult when we think God and others don’t understand the urgency of a situation (from our perspective), yet God has a timetable too and we must flow with that, not running ahead or dawdling behind. Even though your vision is taking a seemingly long time to become reality, wait for it, for nothing from God deteriorates or is ruined by waiting (Hab 2:3). Even in the natural world there is a period between planting and reaping, involving growth and maturing, as the future is looked forward to with anticipation of the hope being realised. Faith, hope, trust and belief are necessary ingredients and with patience they develop persistence, proving we really are prepared to pay the price to obtain what we desire. David could write about patience from first-hand experience – anointed as king at age 16, it was some 14 years later before this became a reality (Ps 27:14).

Waiting is the key to achieving worthwhile goals, with people treasuring what they have waited for, so don’t settle for second best by forcing the issue. Failing to wait risks bringing pain and suffering on ourselves. Satan pressurises us to get the answer or solution now, regardless of the consequences. Impatience is a hallmark of today’s society with people wanting visible action now, but while there is a time for activity it must be the correct time.

When waiting, we are particularly vulnerable to taking things into our own hands. Abraham tried to help God out, by having the promised son his way, not God’s; the consequences are still being outworked today, some 6,000 years later (Gen 15:4, 16:1,2, 17:16-21). The repercussions of acting hastily last longer than any period of waiting. So, although God expects us to do our part in bringing about His purposes (inside His parameters), when we have done all we should there is still a testing period of waiting, when our motives are purified and strengthened, with Him teaching us valuable lessons. During such trying times of waiting our confidence and faith will be challenged, however be assured what He has promised will be fulfilled in His time.

Our responsibility is not to question God’s timeframe but rather to continue actively living in love and obedience to Him, while serving others and growing in Godly character in our present circumstance. Waiting involves doing only what God says, and when; it is an evidence of our love and trust in Him (not our own efforts) resulting in developing the

Although waiting is difficult, it builds sound character

spiritual fruit of patience and self-control (Gal 5:22,23). As we wait for God’s answers to our prayers it reveals who is in control, the waiting purifies our commitment and keeps us focused on God – reminding us that we should love Him for who He is, not for what He can do for us. Remember, God waits patiently for us to respond to His voice too.

The time of waiting should not be wasted in passive idleness, rather utilized in preparing for what you believe is on God’s heart for you, strengthening the foundations and consistently doing what is already at your hand to do.