I’ll admit I can be a pretty impatient person. That’s why I don’t like appointments, traffic, or large crowded places. For me, these situations spell LONG LINES OF WAITING where I feel I can do nothing but sit on my hands and waste time.
However, waiting on God is not at all about sitting around doing nothing. Waiting on God takes discipline. It requires exercising the gifts of service God has given each of us, where we serve God through our own unique abilities and circumstances.
[Tweet “As God’s people, we work the wait.”]
Yes, we use those waiting times to move forward, to learn from our circumstances, and to share His hope with others who are in need of His love.
Are you working the wait?
Here are 3 principles to remember within your wait:
#1 Submission
In times of delay, most of us would rather take matters into our own hands and forge ahead. Waiting on the Lord requires submitting our plans to His plans.
We first work the wait by surrendering all of our hopes and expectations to His service, fully trusting in God’s plan and what He has in store.
Rather than wasting our moments with worry, we take those opportunities to wait on others, serving where we can right now.
#2 Courage
Delays can instantly switch us into panic mode. When life takes a U-turn or stops us in our tracks, we question ourselves, our paths, and the future we thought we were reaching for.
What now?
How will I ever make it?
What does this mean for the rest of my life?
Doubts and questions are never fun for those of us waiting. But in those times, if we’ll remind ourselves of His promises and shield ourselves with His assurances, God will provide us with the courage to stand strong.
#3 Faith
Waiting on the Lord is never time wasted. It’s our opportunity to fully submit ourselves to God’s will.
The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Though it takes great courage to stand strong, it is there that we rely on our faith within His provisions and promises. We work the wait—fully aware of who He is within our situations—and press ahead knowing God is always working on our behalf.
What about you?
Ever feel frustrated by delays or unexpected circumstances? What has God revealed within your wait? Join the conversation and share your comments with us.
