Waiting is an act of humility and love towards our God. It gradually removes the poison of self and replaces it with the aroma of Christ. It teaches us to surrender our lives, desires, and dreams to the one who gave them to us in the first place!!
Waiting comes completely against a culture of immediate self-gratification. There are times that we have the ability to make something happen, but just because we can, it doesn’t mean we should. Waiting allows us to see things through God’s perspective and get His mind on it rather than move on our own limited view and half-baked idea!!
Waiting Positions Us For Success
And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me. Acts 1:4
After Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples must have been ready to go tell everyone about what had transpired, but they weren’t ready. Jesus knew that they would need more than excitement and a good message to help them reach multitudes and face the persecution that was awaiting them. They needed the comforter and the counselor, the Holy Spirit to help them with all that they were going to encounter.
Our children are a good example of this. They may think they’re ready to cook in the kitchen or drive a car, but we parents know that it takes more than a desire or a zeal to be playing with fire or sit behind a steering wheel!!
Sometimes, we are ready, but the Lord asks us to wait. This could be a desire to be married, or have children. It could be waiting for a raise or a promotion at the job. We may feel hurt or even rejected. We want to do things or have certain things, but the Lord is not allowing us. At the same time, we see others around us doing or having what we want. That leads to discontentment, insecurity, and discouragement.
We need to remind ourselves that “God is for us not against us”. He desires for us to do well and produce good fruit. He is the one who has a purpose and plan for our lives, and calls us to do good works. Why would He stop us from the very thing that He desires for us except that it’s not the right time yet!!
Waiting Allows God To Intervene
I will wait for You, O You his Strength; For God is my defense. Psalm 59:9
Wait:Hebrew 8104-to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1) to be on one’s guard, take heed, take care, beware 2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain
There are times that we will be attacked or misunderstood, and generally our first reaction would be to defend ourselves and set the matters straight. Generally, if one is in self-preservation mode, then the defense has an attack associated with it as well. That’s how arguments, and strife ensue. It takes a lot of self-control to protect our hearts and our mouths to not say things in the moment and to trust God. The Lord has a way of protecting the righteous!!
Waiting Keeps Us Steadfast
Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. Romans 8:23
Wait: Greek 553- assiduously and patiently waiting for
Assiduously: Webster’s definition: marked by careful unremitting attention or persistent application
As sons and daughters of God, we’re all waiting for the day we meet Jesus face to face. We hope with expectation that someday all the struggles of daily life and the injustice of sin will be wiped out by our savior at His return. This gives us a steadfast focus, regardless of what happens on this earth, we have a hope and expectation of eternity with our Savior. In the light of this hope, the significance of the issues we deal with on a daily basis and all the waiting we have to do takes on a different perspective because ultimately we get to be with our Savior forever and ever.
The story of some of the heroes of faith is amazing. Many overcame fear, hatred, persecution, and imprisonments. Some were even martyred. These individuals lived their lives with open hearts and open hands, not afraid of losing it all. No one could take away the most important prized possession of theirs which was their relationship with their Lord!! They knew that nothing shall separate them from the Love of God in Christ Jesus.
God uses our “waiting” to reveal His character to us. If we take matters in our own hands by not waiting on Him, we will miss out on learning more about Him. We will also miss the opportunity to overcome impatience, insecurity, fear, and unbelief in our own lives.
Have you considered the areas of your life that waiting is difficult? Would you ask the Lord to give you the courage to be “steadfast” the next time you feel fearful, agitated, or discontent while waiting?