Not the most encouraging title huh? Ha! Hopefully it got your attention! Many times waiting is painful. It goes against our natural fleshly desire to have things quick and fast. Nevertheless, for the Christian, waiting is a necessary muscle to develop. The countless stories in the Bible about waiting should encourage us to never quit. Waiting is a timeless message because everyone at some point will wait on God for something whether it be a financial breakthrough, marriage, relationships needing restored, etc. God is always faithful. As we wait on God and spend time in the Word and in relationship with Jesus our desires line up with His and we can be assured that God will come through!
You will never hear people say that waiting is easy and comfortable. In fact, the reality is that it’s the complete opposite. It’s hard and uncomfortable. Abraham waited on a child (Isaac), David waited on his kingship and Joseph waiting to get out of prison. There are numerous stories in the Bible of the Lord’s faithfulness in the midst of lengthy waiting periods. As time elapses our faith will either grow weaker or stronger. But I truly believe that depends on the choice we decide to make in the waiting.
Joshua 24:15 says “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Serving the Lord requires faith. Trusting in God’s timing requires faith. We need to make a choice daily of whom we are serving. Are we serving our minds, our thoughts, our limited viewpoints or are we going to serve the living God and trust Him to meet our needs even in the midst of chaos and periods of waiting? God looks to strengthen those are fully committed to Him (Ref 2 Chronicles 16:9). So the question is, are you fully committed to God? Do you trust Him completely?
Be encouraged today that this waiting period you are going through is not in vain. When has God ever forgotten His children? If you can recount one story in the Bible of this please do. It is impossible to find a story of God not being faithful. He is always faithful to His children. Like the Psalmist, remind yourself constantly of God’s goodness, His faithfulness and of who God is. Remind yourself that you are in Christ Jesus and that He has your back! YES WAITING IS PAINFUL but it’s necessary. Greater dependence and greater faith as you deepen your roots in your relationship with Jesus. The muscle you build in the waiting will certainly give you the tools you need for the next season of your life.
Are you painfully waiting today? Take heart friend! For those that are in Christ Jesus all things are working together for good (Ref. Romans 8:28). Oh, it’s hard, it’s gut wrenching and almost unbearable some days but God will come through for you. Don’t give up praying, don’t give up serving Him and never quit! Pain produces character. Persevere and know that eventually you will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!
May His Name be praised!