“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 KJ
We might be waiting on God for a job, a child, an educational opportunity, a spouse and so much more. A prolonged waiting, however, could potentially be detrimental to our faith and add to our worries hence a need to be persistent in prayer.
Waiting on God involves putting a decision or action on hold until the appropriate moment. Waiting could have a beneficial and negative effect on our life depending on what we do while we wait. Delay or denial is not the same as waiting. Instead, waiting is a time of preparation. Therefore, the outcome depends on what we do during the period.
Photo source: Tara Winstead
How then can we wait on God in a way that keeps us grounded?
● Persistent prayer.
When God has consistently responded with silence, it is true that this is easier said than done. However, since Jesus told us to pray, let us continue doing so. Jesus stressed perseverance when He was instructing His people on how to pray, so we must imitate that. We can achieve this by having a quiet time with God in all humility and admitting to our sins.
● We should keep God’s previous faithfulness in mind.
The confidence required for waiting times may be instilled by recalling specific petitions God has favorably answered and how we developed spiritually through times of adversity. How has He made provision financially? What bonds has He kept? What changes did He make in our hearts and personalities throughout previous waiting periods? We should keep in mind all these occasions to help us be continually appreciative of Him even as we wait.
● We ought to implore the Lord to make good on our waiting.
We must ask Him to reveal to us where we need to improve, to show us hidden faults to repent of, and to provide us worthwhile service opportunities to carry out while we wait. We are typically more teachable and receptive to the Holy Spirit’s nudges while we are in a waiting season.
● We should remain encouraged.
There are numerous reasons to keep a positive outlook while we wait. However, maintaining encouragement frequently demands courage. We must decide to think back on everything God has done for us in the past. Even though things in our current condition may seem unclear, God’s faithfulness is unfailing. When we concentrate on the love of our Savior and keep on believing in Him, encouragement comes. He has promised to stand by our side no matter what.
How are you waiting on God?