Daily Journal: 24 November

Waiting

Waiting on God is a common conversational topic for believers. We wait for opportunities and doors to open. We wait for change. We wait for healing. We wait to be vindicated. We wait on God's Word to be fulfilled in our lives because we believe He is a very personal Father.

Even so, waiting is not easy. It can feel like watching grass grow, or paint dry.

Psalm 103:13 (NCV)

The Lord has mercy on those who respect him, as a father has mercy on his children.

We pray for patience, wisdom and understanding. We pray for endurance. Ultimately, we say we’re waiting for God’s perfect timing.

Psalm 27:14 (NIV)

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Waiting is about trusting.

Isaiah 40:31 (NET)

But those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired.

Waiting for the Lord’s help to renew our strength means we’re not allowing ourselves to become complacent, disconnected or disillusioned.

Job 23:10 (NLT)

“But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.

Enduring and allowing our circumstances to shape our patience and strengthen our character is like physical exercise shaping and strengthening the muscles around our bones. It’s part of trusting that while we don’t know all the answers, we daily trust in the One who we expect to bring us those answers we’re waiting on.

Hebrews 13:5-6,8 (ISV)

for God has said, “I will never leave you or abandon you.” Hence we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid…. Jesus, the Messiah, is the same yesterday and today—and forever!

Do you find it easy to wait on God, even through extended waiting periods, or do you become impatient, and think God is failing you?

Lord, you know our time and our days. Help us to wait patiently in you and not to run ahead. Help us to trust you to be our Helper.