Scripture Reading: We encourage you to take time to read the Scriptures referenced throughout. We also encourage you to read Psalm 27.
Waiting is not a term anyone in the flesh likes. It’s one of the hardest things to do because it requires patience and allowing God to do what He does. It’s common that we as humans try to “manipulate” the waiting periods we are going through. Have you ever heard the phrase “God helps those who help themselves?” This is an unbiblical saying and should be disregarded. The truth of God’s Word is that God helps those who cry out to Him. God helps His children because He loves us. The Word says in Psalm 121:1-2- “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (ESV). There are many examples in Scripture that show that “helping” (or manipulating the situation) ourselves in the midst of needing God’s help while waiting on Him didn’t work out so well. Look at Abraham (formerly known as Abram). God promised to make of him a “great nation” (ref. Genesis 12:2). He promised him a son to be his heir (ref. Geneses 15:4) Later on, his wife told him to go lay with Hagar and he listened to her, since after all, they hadn’t had a child yet. From this, Ishmael, the “wild donkey” of a man was born (ref. Genesis 16:12). God’s covenant was with Isaac and it was through Isaac that God would make Abraham a great nation, not Ishmael. However, God made a great nation of Ishmael as he heard Abraham’s plea (ref. Genesis 17:18-20 & 21:13). Consequently, the tension between the descendants of Ishmael and Isaac remains to this day. Simply put, waiting on God requires our surrender to His will, His way, and His timing.
However, there are times where we do need to take action and do certain things. For example, you may be waiting on a job, but you still apply for jobs, rather than just doing nothing. However, nothing is set in stone. We must have a discerning spirit to distinguish what to do. You may feel led from the Lord to do absolutely nothing and just wait. This too is very possible! Nonetheless, as a whole, thinking God will help you when you help yourself is unbiblical. God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him (ref. Isaiah 64:4). God will direct your steps and show you what to do. That’s why in this ministry that God has given us, we stress highly to others the importance of a personal deep relationship with God. The more you get to know Him, the more you will be able to hear and distinguish His voice.
Waiting can be extremely tiresome and hard. Look at David in the Bible. He went through so many battles along the way. He was anointed to be king of Israel at a young age and it was many years until he obtained the promise where at age thirty he was crowned king. Many scholars today believe it was around 15 years of waiting from the time David was anointed to be king by Samuel until he was crowned king at 30. The Bible doesn’t tell us specifically David’s age when he was anointed. Nevertheless, he waited a very long time. When David became king, he reigned at Hebron over Judah seven years and six months and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Judah and Israel 33 years (ref. 2 Samuel 5: 1-5). For forty total years, he reigned after such a lengthy waiting period. God blessed David. His Word never comes back void. David hid in caves, ran for his life, and dealt with much opposition. Nevertheless, God came through on the promise and the anointing He had on David’s life (ref. 1 Samuel 16: 1-13).
At the end of the day, there is no formula to make God move faster. He changes situations when He says so. If He promised you something specific with a timetable, then you can be certain it will come to pass. If He promised you something according to His physical Word, then you can be sure it will come to pass. His timing is only perfect. For example, if you desire marriage, and do not have the gift of singleness, you can fully trust God to provide for you a mate. Delight yourself in the Lord, put Him as number one, and all these things will be added (ref. Psalm 37: 4 & Matthew 6:33). Nonetheless, our attitude must always be of God’s will above our own, regardless of the outcome. His Ways are not our ways (ref. Isaiah 55:8) and our desires must align with His. Seek the Lord, and He will show you!
Finally, brothers and sisters, we encourage you to wait for the Lord. Continually serve Him during the waiting and be patient. It will come, and when it does, it will be the best it could have ever been. Remember, faith is the conduit by which we obtain promises of God (ref Hebrews 11). Waiting for the Lord is certainly an act of faith because you believe God will come through. Yes, it’s very hard and very difficult, but God never fails. He is undefeated, never late, and always on time. Take heart. Be strong in the Lord. Wait for Him.
May His Name Be Praised