Waiting on God

Sometimes in prayer, we must wait to see the answer. We often have no idea how long we may have to wait. This kind of waiting can seem unfair or be challenging to endure with patience especially if we see others with what we are waiting for.

While we wait, we can check that our requests align with God's will as laid out in His Word. We can also check we have actually prayed about it, rather than having it as a hope and wish unvoiced, or even a complaint. Yes, God knows what we need, but it is an act of faith to ask Him for it. It also helps us ensure our hearts look to God alone for help. The answer may come through various means but by asking God and then waiting on Him we actively acknowledge that God is the answer to our prayers and the supplier of our needs.

Patient endurance is part of God's nature. God waits for us to turn towards Him. The Bible tells the history of God's purposeful and patient waiting for us His creation and us individually. God's heart has not become hard with bitterness as He has watched and waited for us to heed His heartfelt and blood-bought invitation to salvation and transformation. While waiting, God has been rejected, misunderstood, ignored and falsely accused. Yet, our Father still extends His loving kindness towards each of us. This demonstrates both humility and strength.

While we wait, we can draw on God's example and gratefully praise Him for His patience with us. There is blessing to be found in waiting on God. I think part of that blessing is the opportunity to glimpse a fraction of the patience God has for each of us. Waiting in faith also takes and develops strength that would not be found otherwise.

Think about how you wait on God as you Write the Scriptures below:

Psalm 27:14

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Isaiah 25:9

It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Romans 15:5

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus

Isaiah 30:18

Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

Proverbs 8:34-35

Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favour from the Lord,

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

All Scripture is taken from the English Standard Version (ESV) or English Standard Version Anglicised (ESVUK)

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