I think waiting is hardest when it’s needed most
Good, bad, or even an unknown outcome… waiting IS hard…it’s neither easy nor fun. I think Tom Petty got it right when he penned the lyrics “the waiting is the hardest part.” As tough as this may be to hear…it’s important to remember that even though we might begin to think God has left us high and dry…it’s simply not true. God is still on the throne, He’s very much in control of our situation, and is most assuredly working to accomplish His larger plan.
There are so many examples in the Bible of people having to wait a really long time for “something to happen.”
Noah was patient while he and his family were on the Ark and waited for God’s perfect timing. (Genesis 8:6-16)
Sarah wasn’t so patient. She took matters into her own hands when she felt she was too old to bear a child. She decided to “help God” by giving her husband another woman. By reading the story Genesis 16) and the events as they unfold, I wonder if Sarah regrets the day she tried to interfere with God’s timetable.
Throughout the Psalms, we read about David crying out to God during his times of wait. There are three Psalms I want to draw your attention to: Psalm 13:5 – 6; 27:14; and 40:1-4. In these Psalms we see examples of David waiting patiently for God to act. In chapter 13, David encourages us to hold onto our faith. In chapter 27, he encourages us to be strong and courageous during the “wait.” Lastly in chapter 40, we draw on four benefits while waiting:
- God lifts us out of our despair
- God will set our feet on solid ground
- God will secure our steps
- God will give us a new song
I think sometimes if we didn’t have to “wait on God” we would think we could handle things in our own strength. When this happens God doesn’t always get the glory for the things He’s doing in our lives. When we wait, God shows up and does what only He can do…the miraculous. God is at work on the Plan A He has for our lives. In His Kingdom…there is no Plan B.
Isaiah 40:31 (GW) Yet, the strength of those who wait with hope in the Lord will be renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and won’t become weary. They will walk and won’t grow tired.
