Waiting On His Time

Have you ever wanted something, and you had to wait? Waiting at times can be worst than getting a no. Waiting for the unknown can be a grueling and upsetting time where the emotions and imagination can run rampant with “what ifs.” This can be even worse when we are waiting on God for something. There are times when we will ask God for something, and we find out His answer is wait. This can feel frustrating, nerve racking, and at times even demoralizing. However, this doesn’t have to be. I want to take you to two people in the Bible who both had to wait on the Lord for an answer. First was a young man named Joseph. Joseph was given a dream that he would see his brothers and family serve him, that he would be placed in an honorary position of power. “Then he dreamed another dream and told it to his brothers and said, “Behold, I have dreamed another dream. Behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” 10 But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?” Genesis 37:9-10. However, it would take years, before God would finally place him in this position. He would have to learn grueling lessons in patience and to trust the Lord on His timing. Through this waiting though, God was able to show the world a marvelous lesson in God being in control, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” Genesis 50:20. To read more about Joseph’s story go to Genesis chapter 37 and continuing reading through the book.

Our second person would be Peter the apostle. Unlike Joseph, he did not have to wait years for an answer from God. However, the time from his betrayal of Jesus Christ until Jesus Christ restored him would be tough. We read in Luke how Peter was told by Jesus Himself that he would betray Jesus Christ. “’Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he replied, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.’ 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me’” Luke 22:31-34. Peter had to wait days before He would hear the Son of God call out to him. However, because of Peter we now understand that there is no sin that Christ cannot cover with the cross, no one is outside of His forgiveness.

Both these lessons teach those who are waiting for God’s answer to take a moment and reflect on the big picture and what God might be doing. Proverbs 16:9 states, “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” God knows what is coming prior to you and I even knowing to ask for a prayer on that situation. While this doesn’t mean we are off the hook for praying and talking to our Lord and Savior about it, we need to be ok if the answer is “Wait.” Remember, at times God might be using the wait game for us to learn something, for others to observe and learn something, and even prepare us for what He has promised us. Consider this, when refining silver or gold, it takes time for the process to come about. The craftsman needs time to bring all the elements together in order to make his masterpiece. Proverbs 17:3 states, “The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold but the Lord tests hearts.” If you believe God has called you to something, but His immediate answer has been “Wait”, take a moment and be patient knowing He is either working in your life, or preparing to reveal a lesson to others watching your life. This doesn’t mean waiting can be any easier at times but take it from someone who has learned this lesson in my own life. At times when God says “Wait” know it will always lead to something greater if we are willing to trust and obey Him. Bear in mind this simple declaration from God in Proverbs, “The Lord has made everything for its own purpose” Proverbs 16:4a. There is no curve ball with God, if He says wait, take that time to reflect on what He is actively doing.     

 Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming

JL