We have explored the promises of God when we wait and also we explored the reasons why God sometimes asks us to wait; yet, how do we do that. It is good to understand the why and to cling tight to the promises; but, how do we wait? Am I just to sit still and ignore everything around me? How do I take what I know and write it so tightly on my heart so as to be able to perform? We know the truth so how do we live out that truth so that we might free ourselves from all the anxiety and fear that surrounds us on the earthly pilgrimage? I read a quote the other day which is as follows:
“Our purpose on earth is not to get lost in the darkness of our journey but
to be a light to others, so that they may find way through us.”
–Author Unknown
How do I light the way for others if I begin to fret or worry when God doesn’t answer quickly? There are some very important steps in waiting for the Lord.
used courtesy of @istock
Wait patiently, prayerfully knowing that God worketh on Behalf of those who wait on Him.
1. Seek council from God. Do not make a move until you have spent time with God seeking to know His will. Prayer is your key in this matter. Those worries, those concerns, and those questions as to what to do next; all need to be presented to God. This is not because He doesn’t know already; this is because you need to spend the time alone with Him. It is there that He will comfort you and it is there that He will provide you with His answers. Isaiah 25:3 “O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” Look at Hebrews 6: “17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:” He has promised that His counsel is truth and He has proven His faithfulness over and over again. So, seek His counsel before making any plans or steps.
2. Once you have poured out your heart before God; then, wait for further instructions. There are times that God asks us just to wait, quietly for Him. 2 Corinthians 20: “17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you” Isaiah 30: “15 For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength”
3. This means that while waiting, you are listening closely; because when He gives instructions to act, we are to be ready. Having prepared by prayer, Bible Study, and putting on the armor of God; we are then to act when God says act. For example: if you are searching for a job, you will need to apply for jobs or nothing will happen. Yet, when you apply do so after prayer and listening for God’s counsel. Then, even when acting or doing; it is important that you maintain the spirit of waiting on God. He it is who will answer. If no answer comes or the answer is not what you wanted, that does not mean God is not working out His will in your life. James 5: “7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.8 Be ye also patient” The husbandman had to plant the crop; but then he waits upon the Lord to provide the crop.
4. Wait in a Spirit of expectancy and praise that God is working out His best plan for your life. Psalm 62: “5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved.”
We can trust in Him to act on our behalf and to provide all that we need through His great riches. Isaiah 64: 4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.
Psalm 20:6 Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
Let your battle cry be: "We Trust in the Name of our Lord God."
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned with the exception of my own book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”