Wait upon the Lord: How to trust in His timing

Have you ever found yourself in a season of waiting, eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of God's plan in your life? 

It cannot be easy, can it? The days can feel long. 

Moreover, the silence can be deafening as you yearn for an answer to your prayers. 

Doubts and worries may also creep in, causing anxiety as you wonder if things will work out the way you hope. 

In those moments, you are not alone. Patience and trust are vital aspects of the Christian faith. 

Yet, they can be tested most severely when we find ourselves in the waiting room of life. 

Trusting in God's timing can feel like a leap of faith. And at times, it may seem easier said than done.

The article aims to provide you with guidance and encouragement on how to trust in His timing. 

Understandably, frustrations and doubts can accompany the waiting process. This serves to help you navigate through them.

What is God’s timing

God's timing is a profound aspect of His divine nature. It is one that often surpasses human comprehension. 

In Ecclesiastes 3:1, it is written, 

"For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven." 

The verse serves as a reminder that God orchestrates the ebb and flow of time. 

Moreover, His timing is purposeful and intentional. 

Each event, circumstance, and season in your life has its appointed time, meticulously chosen by the wisdom of the Heavenly Father.

So, when you find yourself waiting, remember that God's timing is not arbitrary or haphazard. 

He is working behind the scenes, aligning circumstances and preparing the way for His plans to unfold in ways beyond your imagination.

Reasons to wait upon the Lord

Waiting upon the Lord is not a passive act of idleness or resignation. 

Instead, it is an active stance of faith and surrender. 

It means placing your trust in God's wisdom, timing, and sovereignty, even when it feels difficult or uncertain.

However, why does He make you wait? Here are some reasons why.

To mold you to be more Christ-like

One reason why God makes you wait is to mold you into the likeness of Jesus. 

Throughout His life, Jesus exemplified patience and obedience. He always sought the Father's will and timing. 

As you wait upon the Lord, you are invited to embrace the same posture of patience and trust. 

Through the waiting, your character is refined, and you are transformed to reflect the image of Christ more fully.

To trust in Him

Trusting in God is at the core of waiting upon Him. This involves relinquishing your plans and agendas and surrendering your desires and control. 

When you trust in Him, you acknowledge that His ways are higher than yours, and His timing is perfect. 

To shift your focus

In this accomplishment-driven world, waiting challenges your idol of efficiency. 

You live in a culture that prizes quick results and instant gratification. 

However, God often invites you to wait to crucify your obsession with efficiency and productivity. 

Waiting compels you to shift your focus from outcomes to the process itself.

It reminds you that your worth is not determined by what you achieve or how quickly you attain it. 

Rather, it is by your relationship with God and your obedience to His will.

How to wait upon the Lord

They say Lord’s timing is the perfect timing.

To wait upon this, here are several ways that can help you navigate the waiting season. 

Acknowledge God’s sovereign control

As mentioned, recognize that God is in complete control of all things. This includes the timing of events in your life. 

Trust in His sovereignty and acknowledge His authority over every circumstance. 

Remember the words of Isaiah 55:8-9, 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Avoid focusing on the end results

Instead of fixating on the desired outcome, shift your focus to the present moment and the process of waiting for itself. 

Embrace the lessons and growth that come from the waiting season. 

As Philippians 4:6-7 advises, 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Realize that only God sees the whole picture

Understand that while you may only see a fragment of the larger picture, God sees the entirety of your life and His plans for you. 

Trust in His wisdom and timing, knowing that He works all things together for your good. 

Reflect on Proverbs 3:5-6, which states, 

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Find comfort in God’s involvement in times of doubt and fear

During moments of doubt and fear, take solace in the assurance that God is with you. 

Seek His presence and find refuge in His promises. 

Remember Psalm 23:4, 

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Be diligent in your waiting by growing in your faith

Use the waiting season as an opportunity to deepen your faith and draw closer to God. 

Engage in prayer, study His Word, and cultivate a relationship with Him. 

As James 1:3-4 reminds us, 

"For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Examples of waiting

Throughout the pages of the Bible, there are individuals whose stories serve as powerful examples of faithful waiting. Here are some whom you can learn from.

Abraham and Sarah

Abraham and Sarah's story of waiting centers around God's promise to bless them with a son, despite their old age. 

Year after year, they waited for the fulfillment of this promise. 

Despite their initial doubts and attempts to take matters into their own hands, they ultimately learned to trust in God's timing. 

In their old age, Sarah miraculously conceived and gave birth to Isaac, a testament to the faithfulness of God's promises (Genesis 17-21).

Ruth

Ruth's story is one of unwavering loyalty and patient waiting. 

After the death of her husband, she chose to remain with her mother-in-law, Naomi. Together, they journeyed to Bethlehem. 

In the fields of Boaz, Ruth diligently gleaned and waited for God's provision. 

Her faithfulness and humility caught the attention of Boaz, who became her kinsman-redeemer. 

Through this divine providence, Ruth found provision and a place in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Ruth 1-4).

Job

Job's story is a profound example of faith in the face of intense suffering and waiting for answers. 

Job, a man of great integrity, endured the loss of his wealth, his children, and his health. 

Despite the overwhelming pain and confusion, Job clung to his faith and refused to curse God. 

In the end, God restored Job's fortunes and blessed him abundantly. This highlights the importance of steadfast trust in the midst of waiting (Job 1-42).

Trust in God’s timing

The journey of waiting upon the Lord is not always easy. But it is undeniably worthwhile. 

As you have explored the significance of trusting in God's timing, you have discovered that it is an essential aspect of your faith and spiritual growth. 

Remember that God's timing is perfect, even when it may not align with your desires or expectations.

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